tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81824566750685277422024-03-05T17:10:27.648-08:00The Lost SeedA Susan Pevensie StoryAjnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-88460758617297187712013-11-29T03:35:00.002-08:002016-02-20T05:13:20.469-08:00XXVIII<span style="font-family: inherit;">(NaNoWriMo - Day 23)</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">The next morning the delegates set off bright and early. Of those that were left behind, David was the most restless. He had really wanted to be part of the group that went to Vencoshi, but both his size and his not being a native of Phairdayle (or even this world) weighed against him. After repeatedly getting in Vixel and Ratel’s way, as they prepared meals and tidied up, the vixen finally sent him off to keep an eye on the Susan, with strict instructions not to wake, disturb or upset her in anyway.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">David was happier doing this, just sitting and watching the girl. Though he still felt restless because there was nothing he could do or say and time seemed to be dragging endlessly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">At about midday, Susan woke briefly. David rushed up to her from where he sat. With a hoarse voice, she asked for water and food. He held to her mouth the filled water bottle that lay by her side for just such a purpose, and then ran off and fetched some more soup from Vixel. He apologised for it being cold, but it would take so long to heat up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Refreshed, Susan asked him to stay with her a while. Blushing, he didn’t mention that that’s what he’d been doing all day. Wary of bringing up things that might be uncomfortable, he asked her to tell him about her favourite adventure in Narnia, if the memories didn’t cause pain, that is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">She was only too glad to oblige, but her voice gave out quickly. So David took up the conversation, telling her some of his favourite childhood memories. He steered clear, however, of any mention of the stories his mother would tell him about Atlantis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">At some point, Susan fell asleep again, and David brought his tales to an end, sitting once more in silence, examining her care-worn face. Ever since Inri had spoken to her, she looked less pained in her sleep and her sleep seemed far more natural. But she was still far paler than she ought to be and he could see the effects of both illness and grieving that were etched into her features. His heart ached at her beauty and sorrow and he silently issued a prayer that the expedition would prove successful. She needed healing and it was more than just the physical healing that the breaknut would bring. He prayed that he would have his chance to mend things with her, but more, that he could be used to help her heal in other ways.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">He knew that to some degree, Inri was right. It had been in part for his own sake that he wanted her forgiveness. But he knew now that it was more than that. He wanted her to be well and happy again for her sake. He wanted her forgiveness so that she could move past the pain of betrayal; because he didn’t want her to carry hurt in any form, and despaired to think that some of that hurt might be his doing. He was even willing to accept if her future happiness meant her having nothing more to do with him. But at the same time, felt the acute ache such a prospect left in his own heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Evening approached, and David reluctantly left his charge and rejoined the others around the fire. They discussed how long they thought it might take before the others returned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">“Surely it will be tomorrow, or the day after at the latest,” suggested Ratel. Inri wouldn’t have suggested the expedition if he didn’t anticipate a swift resolution.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">“How is she?” asked Vixel of David.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">“Resting well, and she was even able to talk some this afternoon. But she still looks very weak, and I do hope Inri and the others return soon. We will have to wait a few days from then, before we can begin to treat her with leaves and even longer before there is another seed.”</span>Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-55533558309972121872013-11-29T03:34:00.000-08:002016-02-20T05:18:09.766-08:00XXVII<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">(NaNoWriMo - Day 18)</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Plans were quickly made for a journey to the Vencoshi
valley. Because time was short, Inri agreed to carry the delegates on his back
over mesa and plain to the next valley. Hedegar, Scaltard and Merkel were
selected to go for their historical connection to the breaknuts and (this only
in Merkel’s case) their size. Preparations were made throughout the afternoon,
and once everything was ready, they shared a light meal. Inri told them then
that they could go and speak to Susan for a little, if she was up to it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Inri woke her gently, accompanied by Hedegar and
Vixel. They brought her some of the broth Vixel and David had made for dinner.
At Inri’s instruction, only a couple creatures were to see her at a time so she
would not be overwhelmed by the attention.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Susan, you have some visitors,” announced Inri,
tapping her forehead with a wing tip. She slowly opened her eyes and Inri
stepped back, letting the others greet her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hedegar, Vixel,” she managed weakly. Vixel propped up
her head with a pile of soft foliage lying nearby for such a purpose. She
smiled, grateful to see her friends, then frowned, remembering the last
conversation with Inri.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You must plant the seed!” she said with firmness,
though she was unable to raise her voice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“There, there, dear,” soothed Vixel. “Don’t you worry
about that. Inri has sorted things out. We shall be able to plant the seed and
grow the tree and save you too. Never you mind. You will be getting better very
soon. And to start with, you need to drink some of this. It will give you a
little strength.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">She pushed a container full of broth before Susan’s
lips, and helped her drink. She couldn’t manage very much, but it was a start,
and Vixel left the bowl next to her so she could have more when she was ready.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“How do you feel?” asked Hedegar then, stepping
forward, and hugging her arm with his small paws.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A little better since Asl–Inri came. The pain is
duller and I don’t feel so ill. But my head aches and my throat is rather
parched. The sleep and Vixel’s soup have helped though.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Good,” he replied. “I was so worried about you.
Seeing you lying there so hopeless and not being able to do anything about it
this time…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You’ve shown your loyalty more than enough, my dear
hedgehog,” Susan responded. “I still say you were more than brave taking on
that adder.” She sighed then, and her friends realised just how tired and weak
she looked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well, we best be going. Inri promised us each only a
moment with you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The two animals left her then, and Scaltard, Ratel and
Merkel took their place. After a brief greeting, they too left and it was
David’s turn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">David was not at all happy about being left till last,
but he could not resist the will of Inri, who assured him it would be best that
way; it would mean he could have more time with her since no one else would be
waiting for their turn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">David slowly, almost shyly sat down on the ground
beside her. He carried the guinea pig who sat now in his lap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hello little fella,” said Susan, stroking the
creature’s fur and therefore able to avoid addressing David directly for a
little longer. It was only a moment, though and then she had to look at him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Susan…,” he began, unable to voice any of the things
he wanted so desperately to say to her. Impulsively, he reached out for her
hand that lay loosely at her side, and clasped it with in both of his. He
stared at her hand and didn’t make eye contact.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">They stayed like that for a few moments, both of them
realising that now was not the time to talk about the past or future. The
conversation needed to be had, but it could wait till Susan was better. David’s
small gesture and her acceptance of did far more good than any words would
have. At last, he dared to look at her face, and she smiled weakly. She then
motioned in the direction of the bowl of soup, and David picked it up, and
helped her to drink. She finished it this time and ventured a grateful thank
you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The food finished, she settled down into her bed again
and closed her eyes. David took hold of her hand again and she did not recoil.
He stayed there even as her breathing became deeper and she fell asleep again.
He might have stayed there all night if Inri had not called him away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thank you,” he said to the Eagle, realising he had
been right to let him go last.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">****</span></div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-89507315336359359072013-11-26T05:11:00.005-08:002016-02-20T05:14:07.622-08:00XXVI<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">(NaNoWriMo - Day 14)</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“Merkel, Gelinda! Bring the prisoners.” The eagle
called out to an unseen group.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">At this, their old meerkat guide appeared, leading
Akadis and Loopel with bound hands. They had clearly been waiting just out of sight
for Inri’s order. Flitting above his head was Gelinda the butterfly, and
hovering over the prisoners, the swarm of bees.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thank you brothers,” said the Eagle, addressing the
bees. “They will not cause any trouble now.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The bees moved away from the prisoners and settled on
the branches of the thorn tree, joined by Gelinda.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Unbind them and bring them to me,” was his next
command. Hedegar ran to help Merkel undo the ropes and they each led a prisoner
before the eagle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Both prisoners bowed their heads in shame before their
Lord.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do you understand that you have done great wrong?”
Inri asked them. They nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You have lied to and betrayed this loyal group of
creatures. You have captured, bound and threatened them without cause. You have
attempted to steal that which is not yours by right, but belongs to all this
valley. Instead you have hoped to acquire it for your own selfish gain. You
have allowed greed and selfishness to override faithfulness to your brethren.
For this, you deserve banishment from this valley.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do you acknowledge these crimes and understand why
they are wrong?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We do, Lord,” said the two in unison. They did not
even try to defend themselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Good,” said the eagle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">David expected then that the sentence would be handed
down to them and they be sent away. But instead, what Inri said next surprised
him utterly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Having acknowledged your wrongs, are you willing to
do everything possible to make amends? Will you help these creatures you have
wronged in any way that I order you to?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We will,” they replied. Their response seemed
genuine. It was derived from a genuine sense of wrong-doing and desire to make
right, not simply the selfish desire to avoid punishment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Good. Then explain to them why it is you wished to
steal the seed?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">David was confused. It hardly seemed the time and
place for a conversation on motives with so much else at stake. But he could
not interfere with the orders of Inri. So he remained silent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well,” began Loopel, a little nervously. “You see, we
were approached by someone who asked that we get the breaknut seed for them.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Who was this someone?” prompted Inri.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sir, he was a jackal from the neighbouring valley.
One of the Vencoshi.” There was a slight gasp among the crowd at mention of the
old rival valley. Since the loss of the breaknuts, most communication and commerce
between the two valleys had ceased.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“He was the leader of the Vencoshi, in fact,”
clarified Akadis, not wishing to be reprimanded for leaving any details out.
“He approached us many years ago, saying he had information that there was
still a breaknut seed in existence and that all signs were it would be
rediscovered in our generation. He asked us to watch out; and should we
encounter any evidence that the seed did exist and was likely to be found, we
were to report to him.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And why, pray tell, did you consent to his conspiracy
and not report him to the council?” asked Inri.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“He…he promised us reward. Yearly, we received our
reward from the Vencoshi in food and other goods.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“When Susan arrived,” continued Loopel and it was
clear that the search for the seed would begin, as prearranged, we sent word to
… We received orders then to follow the trail in any way possible and were
promised even greater reward for our assistance: wealth beyond our imaginations
and a position of power in the revived kingdom of Vencoshi.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sir, if I may interrupt?” asked Scaltard all of a
sudden, “But this story of theirs doesn’t make sense. The Vencoshi have never
been rich and they are no better off than us. More importantly, their tale
cannot be true because the Vencoshi have no need of the seed. We know from
history that the breaknut tree is endemic to our valley and cannot grow in
Vencoshi. That is why they raided and burnt our trees. That is part of the
reason the breaknuts died out in the first place. Either these scoundrels are
lying or our history is wrong. And I know which of the two I am more likely to
believe.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You ask good questions, young tortoise,” commended
Inri. “Nevertheless, both stories are in fact true. These scoundrels, as you
call them, do not lie when they say who hired them and what they were promised.
But the story your ancestors passed down is also correct – the breaknut could
not grow anywhere outside of Crestfaulen valley. Loopel, explain why it is that
the Vencoshi wanted the seed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well,” began the hare. “It would seem that among the
inhabitants of Vencoshi is a shrewd and wise weasel. He has devised, so it
would seem, by magic, a potion that will make almost anything grow anywhere.
They are almost certain that with this potion, they could get the breaknut to
grow in their valley.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">A slight gasp and shifting of eyes accompanied the
mention of magic and even Loopel looked distressed and guilty of confessing to
associating with such practises.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Of course, we had nothing to do with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">him</i>,” added Akadis, hoping to deflect
some of the blame. “We negotiated with … in exchange for our reward. We never
saw or had any dealings with this magician.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Continue,” commanded Inri, warning in his voice for
the attempted deflection, “What else of this potion?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well that is about all,” the hare answered. “We were
to hand over the seed, and they would use the potion to make the plant grow.
They hoped to populate their valley with breaknuts, which would bring them much
wealth – enough for them to share a small portion with us.” The last was said
with slightly lowered voice. Inri looked at them. There was something else they
had not said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I suppose we should mention,” tried Akadis, “that the
potion was not only expected to make the breaknut grow in their land, but it
would accelerate the growth of the plant tenfold.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That is indeed significant,” answered Inri. “Just how
long, with this potion, would it take for a breaknut to grow?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I can’t say for sure,” replied Akadis, “We didn’t
have direct dealings with the magician, of course. But I did hear rumour that
within one day the seed would have become a young sapling. In two more days it
would be a tree at full height. Within a week it would bear its first fruit,
and that would be ripe in another week.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is that so?” asked the eagle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I have heard the same,” confirmed the hare.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">It took some time before the onlookers perceived the
significance of this revelation. David was the first to realise where this was
going.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s it? Isn’t it? That’s the third option.?We
don’t have to decide between Susan and the land. With the potion we can plant
the tree, and, with accelerated growth we can save Susan!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">But will she have enough time? Two weeks, can she hold
on till then?” His brain was racing with excitement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I don’t think we’d have to wait that long, David,”
said Hedegar more calmly, though the relief in his eyes was undisguised. “The
leaves alone would suffice, at least to get her started. It would certainly
keep her alive until the fruits were ripe.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This is all very well,” interrupted Vixel, “but,
surely it would be wrong, no matter the motive, to use a magical potion?” She
glanced in the direction of Inri, expecting his immediate approval.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Your caution is well founded,” replied the Eagle
solemnly, “But there are many different types of ‘magic’. Not all are evil.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes, remember,” added Hedegar, “Susan herself, and
David here, both used magic to come to our world. Inri has not condemned them
for that. In fact, I would guess that he guided their coming here.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hedegar speaks rightly,” Inri answered. “It was my
‘magic’ that brought them here. If magic be the right word. And Bragold the
Old,” (here he nodded towards Hedegar), “also used magic of a sort in the
preparation of the clues that hid the seed. How else do you think he could
write in the script of the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve? How else did he
know that children of Adam would one day come to read you his clues? How did he
know there would be opposition to the search? But that is all another story
about which I can tell you some other time. Magic is indeed dangerous and
should only be used under certain conditions with certain motives under my
guidance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“None of this is relevant to our present problem,
however, since it is not magic that your neighbours plan to use to grow the
breaknut tree and it is no magician who has created the formula for its
growth.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If it is not magic, Inri, then what is it?” asked
Ratel. All were surprised by this revelation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David? Do you still have your torch?” asked the
Eagle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Of course, Sir,” the young man replied, rushing off
to get it at once.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You see, magic allows things to work outside of my
natural order. But what the Vencoshi have developed is a means of using that which
I have already given them to greater benefit. There is a fine line between the
two, and both systems have their dangers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Aah, the torch. Remember when Susan first showed you
her torch, and you thought it was magic, but she explained that it was simply a
more complex way of creating a flame of light from a source of fuel? Well this
so-called magician has found a way of feeding the soil with nutrients so as to
speed up the growth of the breaknut tree. He had created, what would in David’s
world be called a ‘chemical formula’. There is nothing magic about it as it is
made from minerals and vegetation that is found naturally in the valley.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“His motive in creating the formula, however, was
evil. Not the formula itself, but he wished to keep it secret to the Vancoshi
for their (and especially his) own selfish gain. Rather than offering to share
the formula with the inhabitants of Crestfaullen, or to wait for you to regrow
the trees before asking for a specimen, they hoped to deprive you of it so that
they alone could benefit.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Surely that is still their intention?” pointed out
Scaltard. “How are we to acquire this formula? I suspect you wouldn’t encourage
us to steal it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Certainly not, my good tortoise. You know that. The
solution is simple. It is you who have the seed. Their spies have failed. They
have no hope now of ever attaining a seed unless you deign to give them one, or
they steal. Either way they shall have to wait the long time it will take for
the seed to grow and bear fruit. Ask them for some of the formula in exchange
for an offer, in goodwill, of a seed of the new tree.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What if they refuse?” asked the tortoise, still
somewhat sceptical.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You have first to ask them,” replied the Eagle.</span></div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-13335702979201667972013-11-26T05:11:00.002-08:002016-02-20T05:15:12.847-08:00XXV<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">(NaNoWriMo - Day 12)</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Suddenly, she began to feel tired and the pain in her
head started to return.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Inri?” she asked, using his new name this time, “Am I
dying?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Does it frighten you?” he replied.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not so much,” she answered truthfully. “Hardly. And
certainly less than when that snake attacked. In fact, perhaps I’m ready. What
is left for me in this life? If my family are all in your country as you say… And
the pain would be less…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is that really what you want, Susan?” asked Inri,
with caution in his voice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I…I don’t know,” she answered truthfully. “There have
been times when it hurts so much, I just want it all to end – regardless of
whether there’s hope of a future or not. I just want to stop feeling. But
lately…being on this mission…I don’t know. I feel like I could move on and
build a new life for myself. Maybe I could stay here with these creatures, like
we did all those years in Narnia, and leave the pain of my world behind.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I don’t know. This world is so different. With no
other humans: the food they eat and how they live. I’m not sure I could make it
permanent.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Inri nodded in understanding. “And there’s something
else?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan frowned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Someone else?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">She was still puzzled. “Oh,” she blushed. “You mean
David? There was a time when I thought… But no. I was wrong about him. He was
never interested in me for my sake. It was only the rings.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Susan,” the eagle
answered. “Why do you think he returned for you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A sense of duty, I suppose. And it wasn’t just me.
The others were in trouble too. Besides. Even if he did care, I don’t think I’d
ever forgive him. He manipulated my weakness and held back the truth from me
when I had bared my heart to him. I can’t forgive him for that.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Susan.” The eagle was frowning and Susan could almost
imagine, had he been in lion-form, a low growl accompanying the tone of voice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What? Maybe I’m being harsh, but I’m not sure I could
ever trust him again. I wouldn’t know if he was holding back things from me or
using me.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Susan.” That wary tone of voice again, and a hint of
resignation. “Through all that’s happened, have you learnt nothing of
forgiveness and trust?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh? How foolish of me! You have forgiven my
disloyalty and abandoning of you. Even denying you. And here I can’t forgive
David.” She pushed her teary face into his feathers again. “I suppose I’m just
destined to fail? But it is hard. And you know that whether or not I’m truly
sorry, how do I know that he is?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You don’t. It’s all about trust again. It’s a choice.
As you have chosen to trust me again. But you needn’t decide at once. Give him
time to show if he is really sorry and if he really cares. But I shall tell you
one thing that might aid your decision. In fact, it’s something you need to
know anyway.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Susan, they’ve found the seed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan let of a little gasp. “How wonderful! Have they
planted it yet? How long will it take to grow? May I see it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“All in good time, my dear. But no, they haven’t
planted it. You see, they have a decision to make. The seed could cure you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan stared at him, astounded. “But…that would
prevent them planting it! They’d never do such a thing! Not after all this
work!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No, they probably won’t. They haven’t decided. But
once they’ve weighed up the potential benefit to future generations – they will
come to the conclusion that they should plant it. They will find the decision
unbearable, however, and that’s what’s putting them off making it. You’ve
become so important to them that, if you asked them to use it on you instead,
they would.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David, however; David made up his mind a long time
ago. He will fight them to use it on you. He hasn’t realised this, but if it
came to it, he’d probably even steal it for you. The fear of losing you will
outweigh his better judgement – and that is not something he often allows to
happen. I thought you should know that.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh, how terrible!” answered Susan. “All this over
me!? Well I must put an end to it at once. It doesn’t matter if I die. I’ve
said I’m ready. And I’ll be with my family again.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Susan, I didn’t tell you this to make you feel bad,
or to make you wish for your life to end. I wanted you to understand how much
you mean to David. And to the others. You are not so insignificant as you
think. Think about that, and don’t worry about the seed. It’s time I let you
rest again. Sleep now my child.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">With that, Inri breathed over Susan and she fell into
a peaceful rest, unlike the feverish sleep she’d become accustomed to in the
last days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">**************</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">While Susan slept, Inri returned to where the other
creatures sat and discussed the choice that lay before them. David had returned
too and was still vehemently arguing on Susan’s behalf.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lord Inri,” said Vixel, speaking for them all, as he
joined them. “We seem to have reached an impasse. Most of us agree that the
seed should be planted, but none of us want to do so at Susan’s expense.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Most of you?” It wasn’t necessary for all heads to
turn in David’s direction to make it obvious who was holding out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“How is she?” asked Ratel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“More at ease, for the moment,” replied the Eagle. “I
let her go back to sleep. I know you are all anxious to talk to her but she
needs the rest. Our conversation was long and intense, though necessary. A
couple hours and she may be ready to see you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Did you tell her about the seed?” asked Hedegar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I did. She was eager to see it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Did you…tell her about our dilemma?” Scaltard voiced
the question they were all wondering.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I did. And for what it’s worth, she thinks you should
plant it. She said that she doesn’t want you sacrificing it for her. And I know
she’d always feel a little guilty if you did.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well she would <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">say</i>
that,” complained David. “But it shouldn’t be her decision. Not alone anyway.
She’s unwell and under pressure.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David, we all care about Susan as much as you do…,”
began Vixel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But that’s just it!” David shouted back. “If you did,
this wouldn’t be a dilemma. You’d know exactly what to do. I don’t get it,” he
added with frustration, “I would give my life for hers. Even if she doesn’t
mean as much to you, I would have thought you would feel the same after all
she’s done for you!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David,” replied Hedegar, with some reprimand in his
voice. “I think I can speak for each one of us when I say of course we’d
willingly exchange places with her. I may not have truly put my life on the
line when I tackled that adder, but I like to think that I would have done the
same regardless of the cost. But the fact is, it’s not about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us</i>. It’s not our lives we’d be
sacrificing, but those of our children. And their children. We’d be passing up
the opportunity to give them better lives. I know it’s not easy for you to
understand; it’s not your world.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">David felt justly chastised by this comment and said
nothing. They were right. This wasn’t his world. Who were he and Susan to
interfere with their future? But he still refused to give in. As long as he
held some hope they might be persuaded to save Susan, he would never give in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And so,” spoke up the Eagle at last. “It is truly an
impasse. I commend you all for your faithfulness to both your own land and to
Susan; and I appreciate the difficulty of your decision. It is time, therefore,
that we introduce the third option.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">All the creatures starred at Inri. The third option?</span></div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-73767636649971630722013-11-26T05:10:00.001-08:002016-02-20T05:15:36.216-08:00XIV<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">(NaNoWriMo - Day 11)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">As the eagle approached them, all the animals fell to
their faces before his majesty.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lord Inri, is it you?” asked Hedegar, daring only to
half look up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It is,” answered the bird, “Rise faithful servants.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We didn’t know, Lord. All this time, you were with
us,” continued the hedgehog, returning to his normal position. “Forgive us.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Surely you know I am with you always,” the eagle
answered, “But often you serve me best when I am unseen or unnoticed. But I
never leave my realm unprotected.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Will you tell us what to do with the seed?” asked
Vixel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The choice is yours, I will only advise you,” Inri
replied. “You need to consider what is best for Susan and what is best for your
people.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m sorry, sir,” began Scaltard a little nervously,
“But…could you not heal Susan without the aid of the seed? And then we could
still plant the seed and need not have to make so terrible a decision.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I am able to heal anyone,” Inri replied, “But I
seldom work such healings on my own. And I only ever do so when it is the best
for all involved. For now, however, I will ease her pain somewhat and talk to
her. It seems none of you have thought to find out what Susan thinks of the
situation.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But Lord, she has been sleeping since before we found
the seed and we didn’t wish to disturb her.” It was Ratel who pointed this out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes,” replied the eagle. “But now I will wake her as
I can bring her relief from her pain. Give me some time alone with her first
and once we have spoken, if she is not too tired, you may talk to her also.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The animals assented to this arrangement, not that
they would dare to do otherwise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The eagle now made his way over to where Susan lay
sleeping. He placed both mighty wings gently over her face and closed his eyes.
Opening them again, he removed his feathery wings and spoke.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Susan.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan opened her eyes slowly. She felt foggy from
sleep, but the unendurable pain seemed to have lessened, for now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">She ought to have been frightened of such a powerful
bird standing over her, but one look into those gentle eyes and she knew she
was safe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Susan.” He spoke her name again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Recognition flooded over her and she half sat up as
tears streamed down her face.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Aslan?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I have not gone by that name for some time, my child.
I was once known as Aslan, but that world is no more. Its story has ended. Here
I am known as Inri.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Narnia no more!? What happened?” she began. “Oh, of
course. The trouble Jill and Eustace were meant to help with; they never made
it. What happened? Has the land been conquered? No don’t tell me, I wouldn’t
care to hear about more deaths.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It wasn’t conquest. And it wasn’t just Narnia. That
whole world is no more. Like Charn after the time Digory Kirk and Polly Plummer
visited it,” Inri explained.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Would Eustace and Jill have been able to save it?”
asked Susan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“They did save it,” the eagle answered, “I brought
them from the train to Narnia. They… But that was to be Narnia’s last battle.
After that, Narnia and that whole world’s time was complete and the world
overwhelmed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So they died in Narnia, not in the train wreck? And
what of the others?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No child, they died in the train wreck. They all did.
But Eustace and Jill were needed first in Narnia.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So what became of them after Narnia was destroyed?”
asked Susan, her head was starting to spin with the realisation that more had
been going on in unseen realms than what she knew of from the train wreck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“They, like all other faithful Narnians, and all other
faithful people from every world who have passed on, are now in my country.
Narnia, your world, this world – they are all but shadows of the True World
that is my country. They are all now at peace and reunited, living and serving
in my everlasting land.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“All of them?” asked Susan, uncertain of how to feel
about this revelation. Could it be true? That her family’s lives had not been
snuffed out at the crash, but instead had truly begun?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“All of them,” he answered. “Peter, Edmund, Lucy, your
parents. Jill, Eustace, Digory and Polly. They are all there.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan didn’t know what to say. She let the tears flow
and the Eagle watched her with compassion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Asl…Inri, if I had been on the train, not believing
in you or Narnia or all that is true, would I be….?” She left the question
unfinished.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“My child,” the Eagle had tears in his eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I failed you. How could I be so weak? I suppose I
deserved all that happened to me. That last time we spoke, when you told me I
couldn’t return, I promised so much. I intended to follow you and serve you in
our world, but instead I denied your existence. But even back then, you knew, didn’t
you? You tried to warn me? And still I failed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes child, but all that is past. Now you remember.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Only because I see you now.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But you remembered before you saw me. You had already
begun to remember after the train crash. Why else did you go to look for the
rings?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I suppose. But I wasn’t sure. I was grasping for
anything I could hold onto to make sense of what was happening. But I wasn’t
sure of you, of whether I believed in you. Of whether I liked who you were.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Aslan, why did you let it happen?” In her distress,
she used his old name. She knew she had no right to ask, but she felt had to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh my child!” Here, he stretched out a wing and
covered her in an embrace of soft feathers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You ask the right question, not querying why I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">caused</i> it to happen. These things happen
in your world, and in others, because they are fallen. You know this. It hurts
me as it hurts you. As to why I did not prevent it; there are so many reasons,
and all of them were for good – for the good of Narnia, for your good, for the
good of the people in this world. I use all situations for the good of those
who love me and those whom I love. Do you believe this?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I think so,” she said. “At least, I want to believe.
And when I look back on all you’ve done, I must believe. It doesn’t all make
sense, but as Mrs Beaver once said, ‘You are good’”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“My child, that is faith. Remember what you said the
first time you came here and the animals didn’t all trust you? Remember what
you said about sometimes needing to trust without knowing for sure that you
could?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan remembered how the weaver had been watching her
so intently during that speech. She nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You were right. Sometimes faith requires a shot in the
dark – trusting without knowing for sure that a person deserves your trust.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But I do know you. Time has shown me that you don’t
let us down. I’m sorry for doubting when I’ve had so much more interaction with
you than most people. I know I don’t deserve it, but will you forgive me?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I already have.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">With those words, he placed his second wing over her,
and she buried her face in his feathers, allowing his forgiveness to sweep over
her as it had done those many years ago in Narnia, when she had let him down
the first time.</span></div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-40116167468729560352013-11-26T05:09:00.004-08:002016-02-20T05:17:48.134-08:00XXIII<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">(NaNoWriMo - Day 10)</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“David,” continued the weaver solemnly but kindly, “I
know you love her.” David started at this. Not even he had dared to put it so
bluntly to himself, but now the words were spoken he could not deny their truth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i> do
you love her? Is it to make her happy or yourself? You need to work out the
answer to that before you can show her real love. And why do you want her to
have a chance to forgive you? To make yourself feel better or for her own sake?
Think about this and you’ll know what to do.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">David stopped holding back his tears and let them
flow. He wanted to argue but knew silence was his best response right now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">After some time, he ventured the question that was
burdening him: “Who are you? How do you know so much about us?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I have many names,” answered the weaver. “Susan knew
me by the name Aslan in another world that is long dead. In your world, I have
a name you know well. Here, I have hidden my identity, but now the time has
come to reveal myself.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">David starred at him, for as he spoke he began to
change form. At first, it seemed he was growing. His feathers faded from yellow
to golden-brown flecked with white and his wings filled out, betraying a mighty
wingspan. All the time, he was ever-growing till he stood half the height of
David. His feet became strong golden talons and his beak curved into a fierce yellow-based
point. His voice became deeper; rich and beautiful. He was an eagle – both handsome
and terrifying. David cowered before him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Peace, my son,” comforted the bird. David felt a rush
of joy and wonder and love. Emboldened, he stood up but spoke not a word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“My name here is Inri, Lord of the heavens, of all
Crestfaulen, from the … to … and the lands beyond. I have returned!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“My Lord!” exclaimed David. “I did not recognise you.
I have been a fool, have I not? Have I failed you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David, you are a good man. I have told you already;
your intentions are good. Yes you have failed, as all do. But you recognise
your failure, and that is all I desire. Repentance and commitment is all I ever
ask from my followers. I have covered your failings. And I have been ever with
you. Guiding you and directing you to follow the right path. Often you have
listened.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You were the one who showed me where Ratel had fallen
in the pit, were you not?” Sudden understanding broke over Davids face. He had
not made the connection that it was the same weaver, since the first one never
spoke.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I was,” answered the eagle. “I have been guiding you
throughout this adventure. Even when you could not see me, I was there. I was
with you when you told Susan the truth about your ancestry, as you struggled
between your own pride and the truth. I was there when you left the group,
thinking you might never be reconciled. I was there in the cave, when Susan
found you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You’re the eagle! You chased the guinea-pig into the
cave so Susan would find us!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I am. And was with you in the woods, when the
guinea-pig led you to this world. I was there when you decided to use the ring,
when you decided to take Susan home from the party, when you first met her. I
was with you when your mother died, giving you strength to endure the pain. I
was there when your sister was born, as your family came to terms with her
illness. I have always been with you and will never leave you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“My Lord!” David bowed his head. “I am not worthy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No, you are not. But knowing you are not, that is
when you are.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Be at peace now, my son. Think on what I have said to
you. And when you know your heart, return to the group. I have other work to
do.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">With that, the eagle left David to his own thoughts,
and made his way to the group who had been sitting deliberating about the seed
until the moment they saw from afar the weaver suddenly transform into an eagle
before their eyes.</span></div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-29093759195377153302013-11-26T05:09:00.001-08:002016-02-20T02:47:53.339-08:00XXII<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->(NaNoWriMo - Day 9)<br />
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> [Sometime later - from this point on I have jumped ahead in the story]</span><br />
<br />
<i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Back at the council clearing. Susan very sick. The
seed has been found.</span></i>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">---</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I wish Susan were awake to see this moment,” mused
Vixel. It really is a beautiful seed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We must decide very carefully where we are to plant
it,” Scaltard pointed out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Awed silence descended over the group as they gazed at
the treasure they had found. After so many years, after so much trouble; they
had it at last.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A moan came from the direction of where Susan lay on
her soft bed. David and Hedegar rushed over to see if she was waking up,
followed by the others, all worried.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There was no change.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“She’s getting worse,” complained David, wondering
again whether he shouldn’t risk a trip back to our world. If only he knew the
cause of her illness and whether there’d be any cure at home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You do realise,” began Hedegar somewhat uncertainly,
“That the seed would probably heal her.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What!?” asked David.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No, Hedegar…surely you wouldn’t!...” exclaimed
Scaltard at the same time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hedegar hung his head, regretting he’d brought it up,
but knowing it would be wrong not to let the group decide.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Why didn’t you mention this sooner? What are we
waiting for?” David continued, agitated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David,” explained Vixel. “If we use the seed on
Susan, that’s it. It’s the last of the breaknut seeds, our only chance at
bringing them back and reviving this land. We’ve waited many generations for
this. I care about Susan and don’t want her to die, but think about what it
would mean…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I don’t care,” rebuffed David, getting annoyed.
“Isn’t Susan more important than some hypothetical revival of your land? She’s
here and now! If it wasn’t for her you would never have begun the search. Maybe
you’ll find another seed? But Susan’t life is at stake. We can’t let the chance
to save her pass.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David, think about what you’re saying,” said Hedegar,
trying to sooth him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I don’t need to think! I know exactly what is the
right thing to do. You’re the ones who don’t seem to be thinking!” With that he
stormed off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The animals watched but did not follow him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This is a terrible dilemma,” said Ratel. I wish we
didn’t have to make such a hard decision. How do we decide?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I think I know how our ancestors felt when they had
to choose between the breaknuts began and saving their community from plague
and drought” said Hedegar miserably.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The weaver, silently watching the exchange flitted off
in the direction of where David sat, some way off, starring at the river.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David,” he began.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David turned to look, surprised again that such
intense eyes could belong to so small and insignificant a bird.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David didn’t reply and silence stretched between the
two.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David,” the bird finally continued, “Your intentions
are good, but you’re really thinking only of yourself.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David turned to him harshly. Who did this bird think
he was? He knew Susan less than any of the others. And how dare he accuse him
of selfishness? This was about Susan, not him. About her life. All he wanted
was to see her get better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh, I don’t deny your significance. You and Susan are
both such very important people. Your being here alone in fulfilment of an age-old
prophesy is testimony enough of that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But on the scale of the worlds, your lives are really
only a small part. Susan is only one person in light of generations who could
benefit from the revival of the breaknut trees. Deny the planting of the seed
and you deny the future for all those creatures and plants.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But that’s not where you are wrong. If it was care
for Susan alone that motivated you, your concern would be noble. But is it
Susan’s health or your happiness that really motivates you? Why do you really
want her to recover? And is that really what’s best for her?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No, please listen. She has suffered so much. You have
some measure of understanding for the grief she’s experienced, but it is only a
measure. She has lost everything. Every one. This adventure has helped her to begin
to heal, but is it enough?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David held his tongue. He wanted to argue and object, but
couldn’t. How did this bird know so much about him and Susan? Who was he?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I,” he finally began to defend himself, “I thought I
could help her heal… I thought in time I could give her something to hope for
again… But no. You’re right. I’ve already messed up by keeping the truth from
her and letting her think more of me than she ought. She might never forgive me
for that. She may not even recover enough to get a chance to….” Here he broke
off, holding back tears.</span></div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-21184658591041397902013-11-26T05:07:00.000-08:002016-02-20T05:18:27.845-08:00XXI<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">(NaNoWriMo - Day 8)</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">David related all that had happened since he had left
the group. His plan had been to head back the way they had come, but since
Susan had run off that way, he headed off first away from the river so as to
skirt the area where she might be. For some time, he debated whether he should
simply leave the world, but knowing from the meerkat of Scaltard’s capture, he
felt guilty for simply leaving them. Uncertain, he was resting by the river,
when he spotted a small weaver bird a few feet away. It didn’t speak to him,
but seemed to want him to follow. It had clear amber eyes and he felt drawn to
them. They filled him with a sense of awe and peace at the same time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">He followed it some way as it hopped from tree to
rock. It guided him back across the lower ford. and through the rough rocky
terrain. Suddenly, the ground dropped away. At first, David thought it was a
steep ledge similar to the one near where they had encountered the snake. But
as he peered over the edge, he discovered it was more of a pit. At this moment,
the weaver bird flew off, leaving the bewildered David to figure out what was
down there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The pit was not terribly deep, but there seemed to be
a creature down at the bottom. The edges of the pit were rough enough for him
to scramble down.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the pit, he found a creature something like a
weasel but more the size of a badger. She was weak but not badly hurt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">He gave her a little water and some small berries he
had found for food. She accepted these gratefully and explained what had
happened.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">When Loopel returned from his mysterious
disappearance, she, Akadis and the hare had followed Gelinda’s instructions on
where the others had gone. Rachel had had an uneasy feeling that the other two
were planning something, but had nothing concrete to confirm her fears, and
decided she was just being paranoid. But when they had come to this pit, they
had overpowered her and thrown her into it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gelinda, who had been with them at that time, escaped
and was on her way now to gather the … brothers and the rest of the swarm. They
should return any moment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was not easy helping the honey badger out of the
pit, but somehow, slowly, they managed it. On hearing all that had happened,
David felt convinced that he couldn’t simply leave the others to whatever trap
Loopel and Akadis had awaiting them. They set off at once.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Having caught them up on his side of the story, the
creatures began to discuss their next move. It would take a few days for the
group to reach the next location. So after a hasty lunch, they set off, the
prisoners still under guard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">***</span></div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-18753495813688010822013-11-26T05:06:00.000-08:002016-02-20T02:47:07.297-08:00XX<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->(NaNoWriMo - Day 7)<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The young man stepped into view, followed
immediately by Ratel the Honey Badger and a swarm of bees. It wasn’t just the
three … brothers, but an entire swarm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Loopel and Akadis looked at one another. Loopel nodded
and Akadis proceeded in untying not only the legs but the hands of the
prisoners too. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Good,” said David. “Susan, tie them up.” David didn’t
make eye contact as he spoke to her, and Susan obeyed mutely and with a frown,
refusing to look in his direction. She tied up their hands and legs and also
bound them to a nearby tree. Hedegar had retrieved the box with the latest clue
from Loopel and stashed it with the rest of the luggage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is everyone all right?” asked David, gesturing the
others to take a seat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We are well, answered Hedegar on behalf of them all.
We are indebted to you for coming when you did, and for that we thank you. But
if it isn’t too much trouble, I’d prefer that we move away from this place
soon. It seemed fair enough when we first arrived, but now it fills me with
foreboding.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David nodded. “Fair enough. But what are we to do with
the prisoners?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Everyone was thoughtful. Then Scaltard spoke up. “It
seems to me we have two options. Either, we take them with us (which has the
disadvantage of us needing to keep them under guard) or we let them go, hoping
they’ve learnt their lesson. The second option comes with the risk that they
plot against us again, but they are now greatly outnumbered and we will not be
caught unawares a second time.” As he said the last, Susan detected a hint of shame
in his voice as though he felt some guilt for having been the first captive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The prisoners had been placed off to one side and were
being fiercely guarded by Ratel and her bees. They were out of earshot if the
others spoke quietly enough. The loud buzzing of the hovering swarm also helped
to block the sound.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan, aware of this replied quietly, “They know what
the next clue is, if they work out the location before us, they could still
cause trouble. Especially if it leads to the seed itself.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hedegar answered, “I already know where we are to go
next, but I suspect those villains have figured it out themselves. I think they
had worked it out just before David arrived, since they were getting ready to
leave. It’s rather obvious anyway.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Maybe to you,” frowned Vixel. “Oh, I agree with the
hedgehog, answered Scaltard. Why isn’t it obvious? The…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hush,” interrupted Hedegar. They may be able to hear
us and in the unlikely case they haven’t figured it out, we needn’t blurt it
out to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So are we to keep them with us?” asked Vixel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That seems best,” replied Hedegar. “For now anyway.
Come, let’s get out of this place.”</span></div>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They began to gather up their things and made their
way out of the enclave back through the pass to the Phairdayle Gate. They found
a shady spot sheltered by the cliff face but not far from the river. The
prisoners were made to sit off to one side, still guarded by Ratel and her
swarm. The others sat and held council.</span></div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-59072859165180512002013-11-26T05:04:00.003-08:002016-02-20T05:18:45.983-08:00XIX<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">(NaNoWriMo - Day 5)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So it is the spring,” mused Hedegar. I shall have to
have another look.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No tricks,” reminded Akadis. If we find you’re
bluffing, or delaying, you’ll pay for it. I’m giving you one more chance, or
you’ll be tied up with the others, and we’ll do the search ourselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 53.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Fine,” agreed the hedgehog. Susan was taken back to
the campfire and her legs tied up again. Hedegar was allowed to return to the
pool.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The hedgehog slowly made his way around the pool
again, peering in and checking behind every rock. There was something dark and
shadowy in the bottom of the pool, but it looked rather like another rock, and
he couldn’t make it out because the disturbed surface of the water.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">As he was walking, he suddenly felt a small flat stone
give way beneath his left hind leg. Curious, he bent over, and felt it with his
front paws. The weight of his body, pushed it in further, and when he stood up
again, the stone remained indented. At the same time, the continuous bubbling
noise of the spring ceased, and has he looked up, the fountain jet had stopped
too. As he watched, the surface of the water in the pool, began very slowly to
lower, as though the water were draining away into the ground. He called Loopel
over to see.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The two stood there, watching the pool slowly drain.
As the level decreased, the dark object he had seen in the bottom, became a
little clearer. It was not irregularly shaped as he had supposed, but was a
regular rectangular box. As the last of the water drained away, Loopel hopped
into the now empty bowl of the pool and snatched up the box before Hedegar
could make a move towards it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s just like the first box,” Akadis remarked, when
the hare showed it to him (he had replaced Loopel as the guard for the prisoners
when Loopel had gone to the pool).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do we have a key for it?” remarked the hare.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hedegar hesitated. He was sure the key he had would
work as it had on the second small box that they found in the Weeping Butterfly
cave, but he didn’t need to tell that to the conspirators.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unfortunately, Loopel remembered the key from the
first box and instructed Hedegar to produce it to test. It fitted and turned
perfectly. Everyone sat or stood, watching in anticipation, as the hare opened
the casket. Would it contain the seed itself or another clue?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The hare carefully took out a small scroll and
unravelled it. Another clue then.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">He squinted for some time at the characters on the
page. He had not been patient or disciplined enough to learn the script
properly during their lesson. He couldn’t make anything out. He handed it to
Akadis who fared no better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">At last, he brought it before the restrained girl and
demanded she read it to them. Susan briefly wondered whether she should make
something up, rather than give out the real clue. She hadn’t much time to think
of something believable and didn’t have the knowledge of the country to give
something that would lead them to a real believable place. If she made
something up, they would figure it out sooner or later, and there would be
trouble. Besides, the captors were bound to remember some of the letters she
had taught them, and might work out from that that she was lying. So
reluctantly, Susan read out the next clue:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">…..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">…..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">…..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">…..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan worried about what would happen next. Now that
they had the next clue, there was nothing keeping them alive. Would the captors
take them with or leave them behind? Or dispose of them? She tried not to think
of the latter option. They might need her again if there were another clue or more
writing at the next place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">It seemed that Akadis and Loopel were a little
uncertain how to proceed themselves. They stood off to one side deliberating
quietly, though Akadis’ eyes were on the prisoners the whole time, lest they
try to escape.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">At last they seemed to have reached some conclusion.
Loopel ordered Akadis to untie the prisoners’ legs, and he was about to do so,
when there was a sudden commotion from the direction of the steps into the
enclave.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">There was a shout and a voice called out across the
clearing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Release my friends at once or I’ll set the bees on
you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Susan recognised the voice
and her heart jumped uncertainly. It was David.</span>Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-84744774907445588642013-11-26T05:04:00.000-08:002016-02-23T04:50:34.006-08:00XVIII<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">(NaNoWriMo 2013 - Day 4)</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">It was rapidly getting dark in the shaded enclave so
the villains allowed their captives to sleep and didn’t push them to search
till the next morning. They allowed them a little water and some fruit, but
nothing that could be considered a real dinner.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The next morning, as soon as it was light, the
prisoners were woken by a gentle slap of the tail by Akadis. Since they judged
Hedegar the most able to find what they were looking for, his paws were untied.
The rest remained tied up and Loopel stood near them with a firebrand as
incentive for the hedgehog to cooperate. He replaced the brand ever-so-often as
the old ones burnt up; who knows where they’d found so much firewood to keep
the blaze burning?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The rascals wouldn’t say why they wanted the seed.
Since they’d always been part of the “committee” dedicated to finding the seed when
the time came, their sudden treachery and independent plans made no sense.
Hedegar gathered they were working for someone else who wanted the seed and had
been promised personal benefit should they hand it over.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Loopel and Akadis, allowed the hedgehog to confer with
his companions about where to search, but they could not make any discussions
for a plan of escape since every word they spoke could be overheard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Did you all sleep all right,” asked Hedegar before
the real discussion began.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s the best night I’ve had in a while,” answered
Scaltard. The villians had consented to turn Scaltard back over the right way
up, if he promised to let them tie him by a foot to a nearby tree and not try
to run away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I was uncomfortable, but managed to get some rest,”
answered Vixel. Merkel the meerkat responded similarly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan had had a terrible night. Her head pounded from
the fall and lack of sleep. She had lain awake all night. Tired and sore. She’d
played over and over in her head the events of the last days, including her
final conversation with David and wondered why in the worlds she had ever come
to this place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Only a few days ago, she had felt full of hope and
purpose. The hunt had been going well, she was enjoying the companionship of
the other creatures, and especially David. She was thrilling in the reality of
a new adventure after so many years, and the pain of losing her family was
mellowing, if not fading.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now here she was feeling alone – a stranger in a
foreign world. She didn’t belong with this group of conspirators, playing games
with strange talking creatures about ancient prophesies and the revival of a
long-extinct species of tree. Narnia was a homely land, reminiscent of England.
And though they had their troubles and dangerous adventures, there was
something real and comforting about it. And those had been family adventures
which she shared with her siblings. This was all so strange and foreign and
bizarre. And now David, her one source of stability and trust and comfort in
the past months, had turned out to be a stranger in his own way. Was he even
human? And what did he really want with the rings?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So, where do you think we should look?” Hedegar was
asking. Susan broke off her reverie and tried to concentrate despite her
tiredness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Surely it’s somewhere in the vicinity of the spring,”
suggested Vixel, “‘You may rest and quench your thirst,’” she quoted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Indeed,” replied the hedgehog.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I need a closer look at the spring,” he added then,
turning to the captors. Loopel gave a nod of assent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hedegar snuffled over to the spring, which was not
very far from the campfire. It consisted of s central fountain up from which
water continually bubbled into a small pool a few yards across. The water was
fresh and pure, but the continuous bubbling, disrupted the surface so you could
not see clearly to the bottom. Around the pool grew a sort of ground cover. A
number of differently shaped stones were dotted around the circumference.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hedegar wondered where Bragold would have hidden
whatever it was the clue was leading them too. He supposed it would be in
another small chest. Could it have been dropped into the pool or buried into
the bank? The first clue, though hidden in the rear chamber of a cave, was not
hard to miss once you knew what you were looking for. He wondered if perhaps it
was not at the spring itself that the chest was hidden, but in some other cave
in the vicinity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Making his way back to the captors, he asked if he
might explore the cliff face under the overhang, in case there was a cave of
some sort. The scoundrels assented and Akadis followed him to the cliff wall.
Though rough, the surface was soli all along. There were no crannies or holes
or anything else that might serve the entrance to the cave. They did however,
find a section on the cliff face that had faint illustrations painted on to it.
The pictures were stylised but seemed to tell a story. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">To begin with, there was a grove of trees, and
numerous happy animals enjoying their shade. In the next, the trees had been
cut down, and there were fewer animals around looking less than happy. There
were some more pictures in this vein. Hedegar suspected it might be telling the
story of the loss of the breaknut trees. The pictures ended and next to is was
writing in the strange script that Susan had deciphered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What does it say?” asked Akadis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well…um…I’m afraid my skill with the script isn’t
very good. We’d need Susan or perhaps Scaltard to read it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">They went to fetch Susan, whose legs were untied but
hands remained bound. She came to the place and read the words.</span></div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-77641102723513185522012-03-18T18:00:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:42:06.397-08:00XVIIIf Susan had only stayed a little longer, she would have seen that glint for what it was: wonder and excitement; nothing sinister. But she was too upset to think straight. Already on an emotional high, she felt as though she was suffocating and knew she needed to flee.<br />
<br />
She ran off along the smooth river path they had travelled up earlier, paying no real heed to where she was going; only knowing she had to get away.<br />
<br />
David watched as she ran and resisted the urge to follow. The damage had been done, and as much as he wanted to explain himself, to excuse his behaviour, he knew that the best thing right now was to give her space. He sat there for some time, wondering how he might have done things differently. She was out of sight now, and he worried, remembering the snake. But offering a quick prayer for her safety, he got up reluctantly and headed to the camp.<br />
<br />
The creatures could tell at once that something was wrong; by the look on his face and the fact Susan was not with him. He didn’t say much; only that Susan was angry with him and it was his own fault and it would be better if they continued without him. Telling them where she’d gone, he suggested Vixel go and make sure she was all right. Then he gathered up his belongings, stopping only to bid farewell to the guinea pig, and headed off away from the river.<br />
<br />
Sometime later, Vixel returned with a bleary-eyed Susan. She wouldn’t say what had happened, only that she never wanted to see David again. Hedegar noted, however, a twinge of regret in her expression when she discovered her wish was granted and David was gone.<br />
<br />
“Good riddance,” she muttered under her breath. “I hope he’s left this world and gone in search for another that will be more <i>profitable </i>to him and his Atlantean schemes.” Her voice waivered, however, and it was hard to tell whether it was from hoarseness from crying or something else.<br />
<br />
Hedegar then offered her some of the vegetable soup that he had been making while she was gone, and she accepted it gratefully. The meerkat sat a little to one side, unsure of how to deal with the turn of events and feeling like something of an outsider.<br />
<br />
Susan went to bed straight after dinner. Mercifully, she fell asleep at once, and was saved the uncomfortable tossing and turning of ideas in her head which might have kept her awake.<br />
<br />
*-*-*-*<br />
<br />
The next day dawned bright and clear. The sky was cloudless, as was so often the case in this world, but the wind was fresh and cool. Hedegar, Vixel, Susan and the guinea pig followed the leading of Merkel the meerkat.<br />
<br />
At midday, they broke for lunch near the second ford, which would take them back to the right side of the river. They could now see the looming cliffs that bordered the entrance to the pass.<br />
<br />
It did not take them long from the ford to the entrance to the pass and Susan could see at once why it was described as a “gate”.<br />
<br />
They were grateful for the shade offered by the towering cliffs, as the day had warmed up substantially and the exertion of their walk had added to their discomfort.<br />
<br />
The river they had been following, issued from the pass. Within the pass, however, the vegetation on the banks changed somewhat. Shorter, softer and greener plants skirted the banks, and Susan felt a kind of relief from the aridness of the countryside that had oppressed her since she first arrived.<br />
<br />
Now that they had entered the pass, however, they were uncertain how to proceed. Where should they look for the next clue (or, with luck, the seed itself)?<br />
<br />
Hedegar brought out the box containing the scroll with the clue. It had been a long time since any of them had looked at it, so distracted were they by other events. Hedegar confessed that his reading had become rusty and handed it to Susan to read.<br />
<br />
<i>The path is narrow,</i><br />
<i>The way is straight,</i><br />
<i>Walk till you find the fair one's gate</i><br />
<i>Enter and (hoping you are the first)</i><br />
<i>You may rest and quench your thirst.</i><br />
<br />
“Quenching one’s thirst must refer to the river, surely,” suggested Vixel.<br />
<br />
“Perhaps,” said Hedegar deep in thought, “But that’s a rather unhelpful clue. It gives us no idea where along the river we should look. It must suggest something more specific.”<br />
<br />
“What does the part about <i>hoping you’re the first mean</i>?” asked Susan.<br />
<br />
After some silence, it was the meerkat that spoke up a little hesitantly. He still felt like something of an outsider. “Could…could that have something to do with those other guys that kidnapped your friend?” Hedegar frowned.<br />
<br />
“That’s impossible,” he concluded. “These clues were written generations ago. No one could have foreseen what would happen.”<br />
<br />
Silence descended again.<br />
<br />
“Well,” Susan at last. She wasn’t enjoying this inaction as it gave her time to think about things she’d rather not dwell on. (The journey of the day had thus far succeeded in keeping her mind on other things). “We’re not going to find what we’re looking for sitting here doing nothing. Let’s explore a little before it gets dark. Perhaps something will turn up.<br />
<br />
Hedegar agreed to this suggestion. Susan, Vixel and the guinea-pig scoured one area, Hedegar and Merkel another.<br />
<br />
*-*-*-*<br />
<br />
“Susan! Vixel! Come! We found something!”<br />
<br />
The two ladies ran over in the direction of the sound. Hedegar and his companions stood at the entrance to an enclave. Not exactly a cave, it was a large hollow area near the side of the cliff face. The entrance was narrow with stones forming a natural stairway leading down into the enclave. In the middle was a bubbling spring fringed by long thin-leafed plants. On the far side, the cliff created an overhang that jutted out quite far. It was difficult to see whether there were entrances to any caves in the shadows.<br />
<br />
“The place where we quench our thirst,” whispered Vixel.<br />
<br />
“We nearly walked right past it,” pointed out Merkel. High boulders lined the narrow entrance to the stairway and if you walked past, you would not see the gap. Only if you were walking directly towards it, would you notice it.<br />
<br />
“So, what are we waiting for?” asked Susan. Even if it’s not what we’re looking for, it seems a good place to set up camp. The four slowly made their way down the stairs, Susan carrying the guinea pig. <br />
<br />
*-*-*-*<br />
<br />
“Hold it right there!” came a voice from a position a little to the side of the spring. That area had been hidden from sight while they were standing in the entrance way.<br />
<br />
The explorers stopped in their tracks as Loopel and Akadis came into view, standing next to a blazing camp fire. Next to them was an odd-shaped lump that Susan had initially mistaken for a bundle of provisions. But as her eyes adjusted (the light was beginning to fade and the whole enclave in shadow) she realised it was an upside down tortoise shell.<br />
<br />
“Scaltard!” she shouted running up to him. With her longer legs she was some way ahead of the rest. “What have you done to…”<br />
<br />
Her words were cut short when she felt a thud against her legs as they were swept from under her and she fell flat on her face. The guinea pig, cushioned from the worst of the fall by Susan’s hands, scurried off and disappeared. Akadis had tripped her with his tail. Before she or the others realised what was happening, Loopel was on top of her. He wasn’t very big and she could have thrown him off, if she hadn’t been winded. Akadis approached her outstretched hands and began binding them with a tough vine. Loopel wound the same kind of vine around her legs and ordering her to turn over, they helped her sit, and instructed she remain next to Scaltard.<br />
<br />
Scaltard, who before now had been hiding in his shell, ventured his head out. “I’m sorry Susan,” he began, “this is all my fault.”<br />
<br />
“Nonsense,” she returned.<br />
<br />
“The prisoners will remain silent,” shouted Akadis, waving his tail ominously close to Susan, with the obvious warning that he would use it again.<br />
<br />
It had all happened so fast, that the other three had not had time to mount a counter-attack. Hedegar, Vixel and Merkel were still standing some way off and conferred quietly, discussing the best way to rescue their friends.<br />
<br />
The felons turned their attention to this group now, and knowing their opponents would be fairly matched against them should it come to a fight, tried a different tactic.<br />
<br />
“Come one step closer, and the girl burns,” shouted Loopel, snatching a burning brand from the campfire and holding it not far from Susan’s head.<br />
<br />
The three stopped their conferral.<br />
<br />
“Good,” continued the hare. “Now, you do exactly as Akadis instructs and your friends won’t be harmed.” The lizard had made his way over to them with a brand of his own and ordered them to march towards the fire. He then bade them sit, and passing his brand to Loopel, bound their fore and hind paws with the rope.<br />
<br />
“Good,” sighed Loopel at last in a tone of satisfaction. We are all together again. A merry little band, and all the gang rounded up. Plus one.” He added the last, looking at the Meerkat.<br />
<br />
Hedegar opened his mouth to speak, but was unsure whether doing so would cause them to hurt Susan.<br />
<br />
“Oh, don’t worry. We’ve taken care of the honey badger. She’s quite safe.” Susan did not like the tone with which he said that. “The insects, those nosy bees and Gelinda, got away. But there’s little harm they can do on their own. We thought they might have found some way to warn you, but then you would never have wondered so carelessly into our trap.”<br />
<br />
“You’ve got us all here now! What do you want!?” shouted Hedegar at last, daring to ask the question.<br />
<br />
“Want?” My dear hedgehog, “You know the answer to that. The breaknut seed. You will find and hand over the seed to us, or your friends will suffer. It’s that simple. Understand?”<br />
<br />
This time the hedgehog did not speak<br />
<br />
*-*-*-* Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-3941840152053627442012-03-18T08:07:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:41:36.783-08:00XVI“David,”
said Susan, making her way down to where he sat on a rock overlooking
the river from which he was watching the sunset. He turned to her and
smiled, breaking some personal reverie. Why was he always like that? The
way he turned his attention to people when they spoke made them feel
like they were the most important person at that moment.<br />
<br />
“It seems you were right about the meerkat,” she ventured, “At least he hasn’t led us into any traps thus far.”<br />
<br />
She
sat down on the rock next to him, and shielded her face with her hand
against the sun’s brightness.” Watching her, he smiled and gave just a
simple nod.<br />
<br />
They sat in silence for a while.<br />
<br />
“How do you do that?” she continued, at last.<br />
<br />
“Do what?” he returned<br />
<br />
“Make decisions...on whom you can and can't trust?” she answered, trying
to find the right words to express what she was thinking.<br />
<br />
David
frowned, “You mean with the meerkat? How did I decide he could be
trusted? He seemed like a decent fellow and his story made sense. I was
just going by what instinct told me. I could be wrong.”<br />
<br />
“Yes,”
answered Susan, still focussed on his question, “I mean...no. That is
what I meant, but more generally. How does your instinct know when
someone is telling the truth or not? It's...like you have a gift for
knowing what you should and shouldn't believe. I wish I could have your
confidence in judging people.”<br />
<br />
“I'm not so sure about that,” he laughed, “I've made a few major errors of judgement in my life.”<br />
<br />
He
looked at Susan again, and realised that there was more to her
question. Something was bothering her. He had a feeling he knew where
this might be going. If he was right, he'd have to make a decision – a
decision his instinct wouldn't be quite so helpful with. Dare he tell
her the truth or should he hold back a little longer? An uneasy feeling
settled in his stomach. He wouldn't be able to put it off much longer.<br />
<br />
He
liked the way Susan looked up to him, it made him feel good. He really
didn't want to diminish her opinion of him. Those beautiful innocent
eyes (innocent yet scarred with pain) looked up at him with a sense of
awe and admiration that he treasured. He kept telling himself that it
was for her own well-being that he'd not been honest with her much
sooner. But he knew it was really his own selfishness and pride.<br />
<br />
Susan
spoke up again, finally finding the words she sought. “David, why did
you believe me? That evening, at Margaret's house, when I told you about
the rings and Narnia? Why didn't you laugh at me like Margaret did? How
could you simply accept what I said without question? You had no
logical reason to believe me.”<br />
<br />
Ever since that first meeting with
the animals by the old thorn tree (and if she was honest long before
that) Susan had been wrestling with questions about belief and trust.
But she realised as she was speaking that she had another motive for
questioning him. She could think of only one possible answer to her
questions. She felt her cheeks grow hot in the firelight. Surely that
was the same reason David had come here after her when she'd asked him
not to; the same thing she saw in his eyes when he looked at her. It was
selfish, she knew, but she wanted to hear him say the words. More than
she'd wanted to hear them from any other man; in Narnia or her world.<br />
<br />
“Susan,” said David solemnly, “There is something I need to tell you.” Her heart beat faster, as she listened expectantly.<br />
<br />
“I haven't been completely honest with you.” She frowned. Not exactly what she was expecting, but she continued to listen.<br />
<br />
“You
asked me about how I could trust you, but you are giving me far more
credit than I deserve. In truth, you were more trusting than I was that
evening. You dared to tell me the truth; despite the fact that I
probably wouldn't believe you; despite the way you had been treated by
the last person you told. You took the risk and shared with me things
you weren't even sure you believed yourself. I should be asking why you
trusted me.”<br />
<br />
“But,” began Susan, recovering from her initial
disappointment (at least he was flattering her; that was a start), “But
the fact remains that you had no reason to believe my story. I had the
hope that you would humour me and pretend. But I knew from the start
that you weren't pretending. What serious person believes in rumours of
other worlds reached through magic? It would have made more sense for
you to think I was insane. Instead, you believed me.”<br />
<br />
David
allowed a few moments of silence before replying. He knew now that he
had to tell her the truth, even if she hated him for it, if she refused
to believe him or never wanted to speak to him again. He really didn't
want to alienate her, of all girls, but he knew that it was dishonest to
make her think he had believed her simply for her own sake.<br />
<br />
“Susan,”
he said with his eyes lowered, “It is easy to believe an unusual story
when you have heard the same tale before. The reason I believed you so
easily is that you were not the first person to tell me about other
worlds as though they were real; as though you could actually travel to
them. I'm afraid you were wrong about me. I believed your story only
because it was not new to me. I was the one who didn't trust you. Not
enough to tell you that. I'm sorry.”<br />
<br />
He hung his head with a
dejected sense of shame. It was the first time Susan had ever seen him
like that. Mixed emotions welled up inside her. She had no idea where
this was going and it scared her. She wanted him to explain further. He
owed her that at least.<br />
<br />
“David, what do you mean when you say
you'd heard talk of other worlds before? Do you know someone else who
travelled to another world? You...you don't mean to say you've been to
another world yourself?”<br />
<br />
David slowly lifted his head, “Oh no
Susan, it’s nothing so concrete as that. When I speak of having heard
such stories before I just mean that I had heard stories. My mother used
to tell me tales of worlds which could be travelled to, and of an
in-between place from which all worlds could be reached, from the time I
was born.”<br />
<br />
“Okay,” said Susan, mystified, “It's not uncommon for
parents to tell such stories to their young children. But they stop
when the child is old enough to realise that they are just stories.”<br />
<br />
“Except,”
answered David, his voice serious, “these weren't told as stories and
she never stopped telling them. They were told to us as fact, as
history, as part of the family heritage passed on through generations.
Susan, did the Professor ever tell you where his uncle got the rings
from?”<br />
<br />
“I think he said he made them himself,” she answered, puzzled.<br />
<br />
“Do you know how he made them,” he prompted further.<br />
<br />
Susan
thought for a while, she wasn't sure she'd ever been told that.
“Wait...I do remember; apparently he made them from dust. They had
something to do with a box of dust he'd inherited from his God-mother. I
believe the crazy man thought it had come from Atlantis!” Susan
laughed.<br />
<br />
David looked at her but didn't laugh, didn't allow even
the faintest hint of a smile. At last he spoke. “Susan, he was telling
the truth. The box did come from Atlantis. As did the tales my mother
told me of worlds and worlds between worlds.”<br />
<br />
Susan studied
David's expression. Was he playing with her? Was he teasing her? Why had
he really come after her? And if he'd wanted to make fun of her, why
wait till now?<br />
<br />
“What exactly do you mean,” she asked with an
unsteady voice. He replied confidently, “Atlantis was a real place,
Susan. As real as Narnia or this world or our world. The reason I
believed what you told me that night was that I had heard tales of a
time when travel between the worlds was far more common.”<br />
<br />
“And
how,” asked Susan, with conflicting emotions rising “How exactly did
your mother come by these tales, and believe them as true long after the
rest of the world had forgotten about them?”<br />
<br />
“I've already told
you,” answered David, “They were part of our family heritage. My mother
was descended from the Atlanteans. I am descended from Atlanteans. I've
dreamed my whole life of recovering the secret of world travel. And now I
have found it.” He carefully took the green ring which he had got from
the guinea-pig out of his right-hand pocket and held it up with a glint
in his eyes. Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-87572548004590417532012-03-18T08:05:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:45:39.045-08:00XVThe two of them sat together in silence for a little
while longer, before going back to join their companions. The four of
them sat together for the rest of the afternoon, talking about this and
that – how much further it was to the pass; what they expected to find
there; what they hoped to do when and if they found the breaknut. Time
passed, and there was still no sign of Scaltard. They had expected him
to return before evening, but, as the sun began to go down, he still did
not come.<br />
<br />
“We should never have sent him on his own,” worried Hedegar.<br />
<br />
“Scaltard
can take care of himself,” comforted Vixel, though there was a hint of
worry in her voice, “He’s done so for many years.”<br />
<br />
“Besides,”
added David, “We did not send him on his own. He has the guinea pig.
That creature might be small and not able to talk, but he is a clever
none-the-less.”<br />
<br />
“Hmm,” mused Susan, “I wonder how he got to be
like that? He was, after all, a simple unintelligent animal from our
world. Makes you wonder what properties the Wood-Between-the-Worlds must
have to have changed him like it has?”<br />
<br />
“Yes,” mused David, “When
I was there, the wood made me feel sleepy, and I almost forgot who I
was or why I was there, but it’s as though it had the opposite effect on
him…like it woke him up.”<br />
<br />
“Whatever are you two going on about?” cut in Vixel.<br />
<br />
Susan
explained to Vixel and Hedegar them about the rings and the Wood
Between the Worlds. She also told them more about her family’s
adventures in Narnia. After her cry earlier in the day, she found it
comfortable talking about her family and reliving some of their happy
memories together.<br />
<br />
Breaking only to prepare dinner, they spent
the rest of the evening in the glow of the campfire as Susan recounted
those glorious days of what seemed to her a different life time. She
received a good deal of teasing and abuse from Hedegar and Vixel over
the story of Prince Rabadash of Calormen, whom she had almost agreed to
marry. David said nothing throughout this tale, but kept his eyes on her
the whole time with an almost indiscernible smirk of bemusement on his
face. Susan secretly wished she knew what he was thinking, but said
nothing and moved quickly on to the tale of the hunting of the white
stag.<br />
<br />
Though still worried about Scaltard, they all slept well
that night, filled with the wonder of Susan’s tales in that far off
world.<br />
<br />
*-*-*-*<br />
<br />
The next morning, there was still no sign
of the tortoise and his companion and they began to debate what should
be done. David was all for going off to search for him but Susan was
worried about separating the group any further and Hedegar was still not
healed enough to be lifted up the ledge. Besides, they wouldn’t know
where to start looking. It seemed most prudent to stay where they were
so the tortoise could find them again. That was assuming, of course, no
harm had come to him.<br />
<br />
They were no closer to a decision about
what to do when they heard a wheeking noise coming from the direction of
the ledge. David ran over to see what it was, and found the guinea pig
standing there. Alone.<br />
<br />
They were no closer to a decision about what to do when they heard a
wheeking noise coming from the direction of the ledge. David ran over to
see what it was, and found the guinea pig standing there. Alone.<br />
<br />
Susan
ran up after him, and they watched as the guinea pig stood on top of
the ledge, squealing with excitement. When David asked where Scaltard
was, the squeals got louder and slightly frantic. He gesticulated wildly
with his paws, but neither of them could make any sense of his
explanation. He kept pointing his left front paw in the direction he had
come from, then ran out of sight from the ledge top, before returning
with more pointing and squealing and running off.<br />
<br />
“I think he
wants us to follow him,” suggested David. Susan nodded. “I’ll go and see
what he has to show us. Maybe Scaltard is hurt.<br />
<br />
“I’m coming with
you,” insisted Susan, still reluctant to split the group or let anyone
go off on their own. “Vixel can stay with Hedegar.” David was inclined
to protest, but thought better of it.<br />
<br />
Susan ran off to tell Vixel
and Hedegar what had happened and to get her backpack with the first
aid kit and other supplies. She came back and she and David scrambled up
the ledge, Susan going first this time. As soon as they were up, the
guinea pig began running off again and they followed.<br />
<br />
It was slow
going with such a small animal, and they hoped it wasn’t far. It might
have made more sense for one of them to carry him, but then they
wouldn’t know which direction to travel in. The ground here was still
pretty rough and after about half an hour, travelling in this way, the
guinea pig stopped for a rest.<br />
<br />
While they were sitting on some
boulders in the shade of a thorn tree, they suddenly heard a rustling
noise coming from a nearby bush. Susan and David both froze, having not
forgotten the incident with the snake. They sat in silence for what
seemed like an age, and there were no further noises. They began to
relax, and at last David dared to say in a lowered voice, “We should
probably move on from here.”<br />
<br />
They stood up cautiously and began
to gather up their things when there was a further rustle from the
direction of the bush. It was a silly thing to do, but something
compelled David to call out, “Who’s there? Come on out!”<br />
<br />
There
was silence again, but at last, moving slowly and furtively, out came a
small thin creature that looked something like a weasel, but was lighter
coloured and slimmer. It reminded Susan of the creature called a
meerkat that she had once seen a picture of in a book on exotic animals.<br />
<br />
Nervously, it made its way over to them. “Can you speak?” asked David.<br />
<br />
It appeared there would be no answer, but at last it squeaked out a frightened “Yes, who are you?”<br />
<br />
“I’m
David, and this is Susan,” the former answered, “We are looking for a
friend whom we think is in trouble. A tortoise, have you seen him?”<br />
<br />
The creature shifted his eyes uncertainly, before lowering them. “Maybe,” he answered.<br />
<br />
“Maybe?” cried Susan, “What does that mean? Have you or have you not seen our friend.”<br />
<br />
It
took some coaxing, but at last it came out that the meerkat had
witnessed an altercation between a tortoise and a hare and lizard. At
first they had greeted one another in a friendly manner, but then the
latter two creatures had started to get rough. A brief scuffle ensued in
which the hare and lizard came out on top. The last thing he had seen
was them leading the tortoise away.<br />
<br />
The meerkat had apparently
been too far away to hear anything that was said, although something in
the way he spoke led Susan to suspect he was not telling them
everything. It seemed obvious that the creatures that Scaltard had
encountered were none other than Loopel and Akadis, though what they had
kidnapped Scaltard for she could not guess.<br />
<br />
The meerkat offered
to lead them to the place it had happened, but learning it was quite a
distance, they decided it was better that they return first to Vixel and
Hedegar and discuss a plan of action. The return trip was much quicker,
as they could carry the guinea pig.<br />
<br />
Vixel was shocked by the
news of what had happened, but Hedegar simply shook his head as though
he had suspected that those two creatures were up to something. In the
process of the conversation, it came out that the meerkat did remember
having overheard some snatches of dialogue between Loopel and Akadis and
Scaltard. They said something about a clue, and a pass and that the
tortoise should lead them to it.<br />
<br />
“It seems to me,” suggested
Hedegar, “that for some inexplicable reason, they want to find the seed
for themselves and have kidnapped Scaltard to show them the way to the
next clue.” <br />
<br />
“At least we know where to find them,” encouraged
Vixel. “Now if only we can find a way to the pass. Scaltard was our best
guide, and we still have no way of getting past the ledge.”<br />
<br />
“I
can show you a way,” offered the meerkat, almost out of the blue. “You
want to get to the Phairdayle pass, do you not?” The companions looked
at one another quizzically. None of them had specifically said this was
the pass they were aiming for, though it was not difficult to guess.<br />
<br />
“It
means crossing the river, but there is an easy ford not far downstream
and another easy crossing further up, but the land on that side is much
easier.”<br />
<br />
While the meerkat went down to the river to wash and
drink (it had been a long day of travelling for him), the four
companions discussed their options.<br />
<br />
“Do you think we can trust
him,” asked Susan. She had been unsure of him since the beginning. His
initial nervousness and reluctance to tell them things gave her an
uneasy feeling.<br />
<br />
“Why ever not?” asked David, surprised. “He told us where Scaltard is being taken and has offered to show us the way.”<br />
<br />
“Susan
does have a point,” put in Hedegar. “There is something about him. We
should consider the possibility he is working for those two… and was
sent to put us off the trail.”<br />
<br />
“His story makes sense to me,” put
in Vixel, “If they are after the seed, taking Scaltard to the location
of the next clue is most logical. I say we accept his help.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t know,” sighed Susan, “Why was he so nervous?”<br />
<br />
“Think
of what he’d seen,” suggested David, “Wouldn’t you be scared? Here he
is travelling in an uninhabited part of the country, and he suddenly
witnesses a tussle and a kidnapping. And then he meets us. How was he to
know whose side we were on?”<br />
<br />
“I suppose you’re right,” Susan
conceded. “Seeing two humans in the middle of nowhere would enough to
frighten any creature. Most of our friends didn’t even trust you or me
at first. So, shall we let him lead us?”<br />
<br />
“If the rest of you trust him, I do,” voted Vixel.<br />
<br />
“I
say we be wary,” put in Hedegar, “But as dear Susan once pointed out,
having to trust people we don’t know and take risks is an expected part
of any adventure. Let’s follow him, but be on guard.”<br />
<br />
“He seems to me like an honest meerkat, I trust him,” added David.<br />
<br />
“Okay. I’m with Hedegar, but it seems like our best option,” concluded Susan.<br />
<br />
The
ford was not far downstream and was wide, shallow and stony. The
creatures all made it across with just a few wet paws. Susan and David
removed their socks and shoes and rolled up their trouser legs.<br />
<br />
The
meerkat was right about the terrain on the other side being much easier,
and they made good progress during the few hours of the afternoon that
remained. They set up camp in a bushy area a sensible distance from the
river and prepared dinner. They estimated that by that time the next
day, they would have reached the pass.Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-26817003691862264502012-03-18T08:04:00.001-07:002016-02-20T02:43:39.771-08:00XIV<div style="text-align: justify;">
At first the companions were worried Hedegar was bluffing about the poison, but David remembered having heard somewhere before that hedgehogs were immune to snake poison in their world. And so, reluctantly, they accepted the hedgehog’s word. He was still in a lot of pain from the bite wounds to his stomach and paw. Susan got out her first aid kit and cleaned his wounds. The animals were particularly intrigued when she produced the self-adhesive miniature bandages we know as plasters (or band-aids), which she used to cover up his wounds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Scaltard had been waiting patiently throughout the ordeal at the top of the ledge with only the guinea-pig for company. It didn’t make sense for him to climb back down again as it had been hard enough getting him up, but they didn’t want to try getting Hedegar up either, not until he felt better. Vixel insisted he shouldn’t be travelling any further that day anyway. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eventually they agreed that Scaltard and the guinea-pig would go on ahead and explore the area - seeing how the terrain continued and whether they could find a longer, flatter route for them to follow. Although it would take longer, it seemed more prudent and although they were all eager to finish the quest as soon as possible, there was no real urgency.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan, David and Vixel spent the rest of the afternoon with Hedegar, resting. They found an area of low, unusually dense shrubs, just far enough from the river to avoid the chill that would come from it by night, where they set up camp. Only once Hedegar was comfortably settled in a makeshift bed of soft foliage (the hedgehog protested that they were fussing over him too much, but Vixel insisted he needed rest) did the reality of the scare they had had sink in for Susan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She sat on a small flat-topped boulder, head in her hands, as she relived the afternoon’s trauma. David looked over at her, wondering whether to leave her alone with her thoughts or go over to comfort her. Eventually, he tentatively made his way over, asking her if she was okay.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan looked up as he spoke. “That could have been me,” she answered looking in the direction of where Hedegar lay dozing (clearly exhausted despite his protests). “Only it would have been much worse.” David nodded as he lowered himself onto the ground next to her.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I faced numerous dangerous situations when I lived in Narnia,” Susan continued. “I was nearly killed by a wolf once - Peter saved my life that time, despite having never used a sword before. I’ve seen countless battles, even occasionally been forced to take part in them.” David looked at her somewhat wide-eyed as she spoke of her experiences with wolves and battle. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“But somehow,” she continued, “standing back there with the adder poised to strike seemed more terrifying than all that. Maybe because it’s been so long since I was in any real danger - but somehow this was different. Back then I always felt a kind of peace, as though I knew that even if the worst came, Aslan was in control and I’d be all right. This time the fear was more real - hopeless. I didn’t know what to do.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Why do you think that is, Susan,” he asked. “What has changed?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan wasn’t sure. Somehow, back then when she was younger, it had been easier to believe that everything would be all right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“That first time, with the wolf, I think I felt brave because of the prophesy. My siblings and I were brought to Narnia to fill the four thrones in Cair Paravel, and I felt we wouldn’t have been brought if the prophesy wasn’t going to be fulfilled. But maybe I was just naïve. Later though, after seeing Aslan killed by the White Witch, and then returned to full life again, it was hard to fear death. Not when your leader was someone who held a power even greater than death.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As David listened, he realised just how extreme Susan’s adventures in Narnia had been. She hadn’t just travelled and spent time in this other place. She had lived there, and experienced more than most people from their world could imagine. “You speak of this Aslan as if he’s more than just a ruler - the way you describe him is more like…a god.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Well he is,” answered Susan matter-of-factly, “He’s <i>the </i>God of Narnia. The God of all worlds. In our world he came to earth as a man; in Narnia he appears as a lion.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She had been in no doubt as to Aslan’s identity after all the things she had seen him do. And she remembered too his words to her and Peter when he explained that they would not be returning to Narnia after their second visit. He explained how he needed them to live for him in their world as they had in Narnia. The world had experienced unspeakable horrors during the war, and there was need of men and women of faith to stand firm for him in those dark days, and to remind the world of hope in the aftermath, as people came to terms with all that had happened.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“But I failed him,” she continued. “When I first returned home, I tried to live as he would want me to. But as time went on…life went on, I slowly began to forget, and to doubt. Till I’d convinced myself he was just a lion - a kind of hero that formed part of the imaginary games we played.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“But you remember him now, don’t you? You believe that he <i>is </i>real?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Oh, of course I do,” said Susan. “Since arriving in the Woods and seeing the guinea-pig, all my memories have returned. And I have no doubt about who he is. But I’ve fallen so far from the confidence I had before. I don’t know that he’d forgive me for abandoning him. And I don’t know if I’d want his forgiveness. After all that’s happened…after the train wreck…I’m not sure I like who he is and what he allows to happen. It almost seems…either he’s not as powerful as I thought, or he’s not as good.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At first David didn’t reply. He understood that her pain was heavy and saw how she could feel such doubt and bitterness. “I can’t speak for God,” he answered carefully, “and I know it doesn’t look like it - I don’t even pretend to understand and excuse why he would let you suffer as you have - but I believe in my heart that he is good. If he isn’t - what point is there in living? I can’t say I have seen or experienced him tangibly - certainly not in the way you have - but I know what I believe. And that’s what I hold on to. That’s what kept me sane when I lost my mother - and through seeing my sister’s struggles. I think God is beyond our understanding. But I trust him. I have to.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was another silence for a while. At last Susan spoke up. “Do you know what frightened me the most, David?” She didn’t wait for a response. “The thing I feared the most back there, was watching Hedegar locked with that snake, and afterwards, seeing him lying there helpless and motionless. I haven’t known him long, but I couldn’t bear the thought of losing someone else. Not another person…”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She broke off and David realised where this was coming from. She’d lost so many people in the train wreck - both family members and close family friends. He remembered how heightened he was to the fear of losing more people after his mother’s death, and could only imagine what it felt like for Susan multiplied sevenfold. He stood again, moving over to where she sat on the rock, and wrapped her in his embrace, allowing her to cry against his shoulder.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the second time that day he had hugged her. Unlike that evening at Margaret’s house or the day at the coach station, when he had felt that a direct embrace would be inappropriate given the circumstances, here it felt right. While he knew his feelings for her ran deeper, this was a hug of sympathy - the sharing of one human’s sorrow with another. It was what she needed. No more.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan’s body shuddered as she let out the pain and sorrow she’d been hiding the last few days. In the business and excitement of the quest she had been able to forget for a bit. But now was one of those times of remembering. And as she remembered, she had to cry. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This time was slightly different, however. It was the first time since the accident she really had someone sharing with, if not in, her grief. For the first time she didn’t feel completely alone. The physical touch of another human comforting her in her grief made it so much more bearable. Her uncontrolled sobs began to slow and her body relaxed. The unbearable pain had become a duller thrum.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*-*-*-*</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hedegar and Susan slept solidly throughout the night and woke late the next morning. David and Vixel had caught more fish from the river for supper and, following Susan’s instructions, David had made them some fish soup. They added to it some flowers that Vixel had collected which she knew had relaxation properties and would help them to sleep well. The soup, added to the stress of the day, helped them get some good rest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next day, Hedegar’s wounds still hurt him as did his muscles from the strain of the fight. Scaltard was still off exploring and they could do nothing but wait for him. While Hedegar continued to rest, the other campers did some exploring of their own, but never wandered too far from their campsite, especially since the fear of meeting another adder was still very real.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After lunch, Susan took a walk down to the river, where she sat and watched the current flow by. David was worried about her being on her own for too long, but also knew she wanted space to think. After a while, he headed down after her and found her seated on a flat rock, close enough to the water’s edge that from it, she could dangle her feet into the water. She had taken off her shoes to do just this, and sat, allowing the cool water to relieve both the heat of the day, and her deeper stress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I just came down to check on you,” said David, afraid of breaking her reverie but knowing it was rude not to announce his presence, “Do you mind if I join you?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The girl nodded, as he made his way to where she sat and perched on the rock next to her. “Running water is always beautiful, is it not?” she asked after a moment’s silence.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although the stream here was shallow, it was sufficient and provided a refreshing break to the country’s harsh dryness. “Its beauty seems all the more amplified here in contrast to the wilderness about us,” she continued. “In a way, it seems all the more valuable, and I appreciate it more because the land is so desolate. Is that not ironic?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David smiled. He could feel the peacefulness of the stream quieting his own soul. All his life he had been drawn to water. He loved swimming and as a child found family trips to the sea his favourite time of year. Although, where the ocean pulled on his heartstrings with a sense of excitement and adventure, the water of this stream did just the opposite. It brought a sense of quietness and satisfaction.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I wonder,” he said after a while, “if that’s not true in life as well. The things that bring us happiness and joy are all the more valuable when they come after a time of trouble. The things that refresh our souls are sweeter when we feel dry and without hope. There’s nothing like being brought down to our lowest, to make us appreciate the blessings we have. Extreme contrasts put things into perspective.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I know what you mean, David,” answered Susan. “When I first arrived, I felt that this land echoed my heart. It makes for a pretty good portrait of how I’m feeling.” She stopped, wondering again why it was so easy to be so honest with David. With most people, she was afraid of sharing exactly what was on her heart. But with him, trust came naturally. She somehow did not fear his judgement.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Maybe that’s why I feel that this quest is so important, and why I feel like I need to see it through,” she continued. “Regardless, the adventure itself is a bit like this river. Simply having something else to put my mind on and help me forget my sorrows has given me hope - something to live for again. You know, this land was so much more before the loss of the breaknut trees. If we find the seed, we might be able to restore, if even just a glimmer, of what it was like before. It will make the task worth it.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David nodded, following her metaphor. And, though he knew not how it could be accomplished, he hoped that Susan too might win back a glimmer of the fuller and happier life she had had before.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*-*-*-*</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-80899632075238749982012-03-18T08:03:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:43:55.928-08:00XIII<div style="text-align: justify;">
At first the animals were reluctant for Susan to tell him about their mission. They couldn't understand how she trusted him if he had come here against her will. But she eventually persuaded them by reminding them that the prophesy had spoken of a Son of Adam as well as a Daughter of Eve and he might be able to help. David listened attentively as she related all that had happened since she arrived.<br />
<br />
“So you think the seed is hidden somewhere in these caves?” he asked when she was finished. Hedegar nodded. <br />
<br />
“Well, I suppose the first place would be to look in that chest back there,” he said next, pointing to the cave where they had found him. <br />
<br />
Susan had completely forgotten about the strange box in the middle of the cave that David had been bending over when they first found him. The shock of seeing him there had prevented her from wondering what was in it.<br />
<br />
“It seems like a good place to look,” said Gelinda in reply.<br />
<br />
“It's locked,” put in David, “I don't suppose you have a key?” They all turned to Hedegar.<br />
<br />
“I only have the key for the small box in which the clue was hidden,” answered the hedgehog, rummaging in the small bag he carried. David frowned when he finally produced it, “It would have to be bigger than that,” he said, with some disappointment.<br />
<br />
“Hmm,” thought Hedegar, scratching his head, “If that's where it is, Bragold must have hidden the key somewhere. Did you search the cave?”<br />
<br />
“All around,” answered David, “There wouldn't be much point in locking it if the key was within easy reach anyway.”<br />
<br />
Just then, there was a brief noise and movement in the back part of the cave near the smaller of the two passages. They turned around to find the source of the disturbance, and were greeted by the last sight any of them expected. Waddling towards them from the direction of the cave was a guinea-pig. In his mouth he carried a key. Everyone stared at him in amazement.<br />
<br />
Susan was the first to respond. “Why, it's the guinea-pig! From the Wood between the Worlds! David, he never left the cave, he had just gone exploring in the small passage. And it would seem that that was where Bragold hid the key. In a place that only a small creature like a hedgehog or guinea-pig could reach. Though how the guinea-pig knew we would need it is beyond me.”<br />
<br />
The guinea-pig walked up to David, who bent down and took the key from his mouth. “Good boy,” he said, giving him a brief pat with a look of amusement, “Next time you plan to go off exploring, let me know where you're going,” he added, in a tone of scolding mixed with mirth. <br />
<br />
The creature simply looked at him. Then he turned to where Susan was standing and, with a look of recognition, ran up to her. “Oh you naughty, clever guinea-pig,” she said, bending to pick him up and give him a hug and scratch behind the ears. I don't know whether to be angry or grateful you brought David here instead of taking him back home.” After a moment’s silence, she continued, “You got the wrong world, though. This isn't Narnia.” She put the creature down again and he cocked his head with an odd expression, as though he'd known exactly what he was doing and she was the one who was mistaken. “You are a mystery,” she finally added.<br />
<br />
The small group made their way back to the cave where they had found David, with the key. The chest in the middle of the room was similar to the smaller one in which the scroll had been kept. In the torchlight, Susan could make out some intricate carvings of what appeared to be a tree. She wondered if that was a Breaknut tree looked like.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Look!" said Scaltard who was standing next to her, but more at eye-level with the chest. He pointed to a section of the carving. There was a a single leaf carved in mid-flight falling towards the ground. "The leaf as it falls," he whispered. Susan smiled at him and silently inserted the key into the lock. It fitted perfectly and the lock clicked open. This was all too easy.<br />
<br />
They opened the chest and found a number of things inside. A selection of provisions including firewood, and some sticks clearly designed to be torches, with stands in which they could be placed upright. There were also, to Susan’s surprise, two small fishing rods and fishing tackle. In addition, there was another smaller chest identical to the one in which the scroll had been kept. Hedegar produced his small key and it fitted the lock.<br />
<br />
They all held their breaths. Was this it? Would the seed be in here?<br />
<br />
Hedegar turned the key to open it and lifted the lid. Inside was another scroll. He slowly opened the scroll to reveal more writing.<br />
<br />
“What does it say?” asked Vixel.<br />
<br />
“There's not enough light,” said Scaltard, “and I'm afraid my reading is not yet good enough. You will have to read it Susan.”<br />
<br />
Susan took up the scroll and was about to read it, when, on a sudden thought, she handed it to David. She hoped this might increase the creatures’ trust of him. He turned his torch so it was shining fully on it and read:<br />
<br />
<i>If you've found this clue, you're on your way,<br />
To find what you seek, so don't dismay.<br />
But follow the clues till journey's end,<br />
That you the harm to this land might mend.<br />
<br />
The path is narrow,<br />
The way is straight,<br />
Walk till you find the fair one's gate<br />
Enter and (hoping you are the first)<br />
You may rest and quench your thirst.</i><br />
<br />
It was another clue. Their task was not yet over. They would have to work out the meaning of this before they could continue the search for who-knows how many more clues, before they finally found what they sought. The sense of disappointment among the animals could be felt. But there was nothing to be done. At least they had made some progress and were on the right track. A little dejectedly, they made their way back to the main chamber.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At least they had firewood and torches with which they could spend a night comfortably in the cave. They carried the provisions back to the main cave and set up camp for the night. David still had some food he had brought from home and, together with what the others had brought, they had a light meal and fell to discussing the meaning of the next riddle. They were all tired from a long day, however, and hadn’t come any closer to figuring out the riddle when one by one they began to drop off to sleep in the light of the glowing fire.<br />
<br />
Susan was the last to fall asleep. She lay there for some time, pondering the events of the day. Why had David come? Why was she even here? What was so important about this seed that Hedegar’s ancestor had taken such trouble to hide it? How did the guinea-pig know so much?<br />
<br />
She had the impression she had been caught up in some important events quite by accident, and yet she didn’t feel as though she was here by chance. This place wasn’t Narnia, and yet, like in Narnia, it seemed she had been brought here by an unseen guiding hand. All she had wanted was answers about her family’s deaths and she seemed no closer to answering that riddle than any of the new ones which had confronted her the last few days. Eventually, this whirl of thoughts became less and less distinct and she dropped off into a somewhat unsettled sleep.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*-*-*-*</div>
<br />
The next morning, Susan woke to sunlight streaming into the cave. She looked around her to find herself almost alone. She could see only the guinea-pig curled up and still asleep near the fire, looking peaceful and unaware of any trouble or care. As Susan stirred and began to sit up, a sweet voice called out to her.<br />
<br />
“I was wondering if you’d ever wake,” said the voice, which she now recognised as belonging to Gelinda. She turned to the direction of the voice and saw the small butterfly perched on one of the boulders in the cave.<br />
<br />
“Where is everyone?” asked Susan sleepily.<br />
<br />
“Fetching breakfast,” replied the butterfly. “Scaltard and Hedegar have gone to look for fresh vegetation and grubs. Vixel and the young Son of Adam left quite some time ago with the fishing rods to catch some fish for breakfast. Apparently you children of Adam like fresh meat.”<br />
<br />
Susan brightened at the thought of meat, even if it was only fish. Having another human around was at least going to make food arrangements a little easier. Just then, a shadow was cast across the cave entrance and in walked David and Vixel followed closely by the hedgehog and tortoise. Apparently the morning’s search for food had proved a success on all parts. David and Vixel had caught a few small fish and David had already gutted a number of them. The animals watched in amazement as he stoked the fire and set up a stake on which to grill them. Vixel was astounded.<br />
<br />
“Why would you want to burn them before eating them?” she asked. <br />
<br />
“That’s how we eat all our meat,” replied David, we can’t digest it otherwise. <br />
<br />
“It seems I was wrong about you liking fresh meat,” said Gelinda, “You are odd creatures indeed”. <br />
<br />
Susan didn’t comment that the creatures’ diets were just as odd to them, as she watched the butterfly sucking nectar from some fresh flowers that Scaltard had brought her, Hedegar feasting on a leaf full of wriggling grubs and Scaltard munching on some roots and leaves. She was most interested in the latter and wondered if she would be able to make a soup with something like that for supper at some point.<br />
<br />
When all were feeling much better from their “natural” breakfast, they turned back to the task at hand. Working out this next clue proved easier than Susan had feared. Hedegar said he had been thinking of it while hunting that morning and was sure he had figured out what the place was described. About a day’s journey from the cave, was a narrow defile or pass between the sides of two mesas. He had never ventured into this pass before, but he had heard that when you reached the far side it opened up into a panoramic view of the valley beyond Phairdayle. That place was known Phairgayte - the Gateway to Phairdayle. He was sure that was what the clue referred to. Phairgayte had somewhat legendary status in his family.<br />
<br />
They discussed for a while whether to return to the meeting place or set out from there. Since the search was apparently going to take longer than they realised, they would need to prepare for a longer journey. But eventually it was decided that since they would be better off finding their food as they went along, they only really needed to take the fishing rods and fire-making equipment from the cave. Gelinda was sent off to take the news to Ratel and the others. And so by late morning all was ready and the small group set off from the cave of the Weeping Butterfly on the way to find the narrow path that led to the Gate of Fairdale. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*-*-*-*<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">As the five companions set off on their journey, they fell into a comfortable stride. Hedegar and Vixel lead the way, followed by the slower Scaltard. Susan and David as the faster walkers, though less used to the terrain, brought up the rear, taking turns to carry the guinea-pig. The sky was clear, as seemed standard in this country, and the sun low but warm. To begin with, they followed the river up from the waterfall. Susan and David chatted comfortably about various things.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Towards midday, they took a break among a clump of close thorn trees. There was some left over fish for the humans, and berries they had found on some bushes earlier on their walk. The animals scavenged for their own food.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Scaltard, who knew the way from this point better than the others, explained the way forward. Soon they would come to a tributary which they would follow away from the central river. This would lead them in the direction of the pass. He warned them that the ground along this tributary would become rougher - rockier and with sparser vegetation. No talking animals that he knew of lived in this region, but there were a number of dangerous creatures, most notably the rock adder. They would need to be on the alert.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">After lunch, they set off once again and shortly came to where the tributary branched off. It wasn’t long before Susan realised what he had meant about the land being harsher. The sun was now high in the sky and blazing down rather fiercely. The ground underfoot was rougher with many loose pebbles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">At one point, they arrived at a steepish ledge. It wasn’t very high, but was something of a challenge, especially for the smaller creatures to scramble up. Vixel climbed it first, making use of some projecting rocks and her agility to get up with ease. David scrambled up next, with the guinea-pig in his back-pack, so he could help from above. Susan and Hedegar helped Scaltard from below, while David reached out to grab hold of him as soon as he could reach. Susan was to help Hedegar next, though he hesitated at leaving the woman till last.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“I’ll be fine,” Susan assured him, and he had just conceded, when they heard a rustling sound from behind them. Turning to the noise, both Susan and the hedgehog froze.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> The section below is not the most up-to-date version of this. It will be replaced with a new version shortly</span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">No more than ten feet away from Susan was a large adder, its beady eyes fixed on her. She could tell from looking at those eyes that it was not intelligent, though there was something like witless hatred in them. She had heard snakes were unlikely to attack unless they felt threatened, but she didn’t fancy putting to the test what it considered threatening.</span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Susan!” cried David, peering down from the ledge, seeing the snake and breaking off a branch from a nearby tree, “I’m coming!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Stay where you are foolish boy!” shouted the hedgehog. “Don’t make any sudden movements, or it will attack the first thing in its path.” That was Susan.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“What do I do?” asked Susan, growing a little white, but keeping as still as possible.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“No movements. Just keep still as you are,” he replied. The hedgehog wasn’t far from Susan, but a little behind her. The snake didn’t seem to have noticed him. If they kept still for long enough it might decide they were not a threat and leave. It would be a battle of wills.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Susan wished she had a dagger at her side, like the one she often carried in Narnia. But all she had was Peter’s pen knife in the back-pack she was wearing. The small blade would be little help against a snake, and reaching to get it from her bag would be dangerous. She tried to scan her mind back to her days as Narnia’s queen. Susan, though brave, was the least adventurous of her siblings, and couldn’t help but think her brothers, and possibly even Lucy, would have an idea right now. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Isn’t there something I can do?” asked David in frustration at being so far away. “You might keep quiet so I can think,” answered the hedgehog, a little irritated. Susan hoped the two of them would not start a quarrel.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Suddenly, Susan felt a tickle in her nose, the last thing she needed. She tried to ignore the feeling, but that only made it worse.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Hedegar…” she ventured, “I’m going to sneeze. I’m not sure I can hold it off much longer.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Okay…” answered the hedgehog, trying to keep a level head. “Try to do it as quietly as possible, and perhaps it won’t notice.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Almost involuntarily, Susan moved her hand up to her nose, hoping that she could brush the feeling away. The movement was slight, but the snake noticed. Its eyes grew larger, and she was sure it was going to strike.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">She saw its lower body begin to bunch up as though it was gathering for an attack. Hedegar had seen this too and realised they were out of time. Running from behind her, he made a rush at the snake, grabbing it below the neck with both forepaws. There was a scuffle and for a while all Susan could see was hedgehog spikes and snake scales rolling in the dust. Susan heard a loud scream, not realising it came from her own lips. The body of the snake was writhing angrily and she couldn’t see whether Hedegar was injured or not. It was impossible for him to have avoided a bite.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Suddenly the scuffling stopped. The snake’s body lay motionless flung to one side of the hedgehog. The hedgehog too lay still. Susan ran up to him, still in shock. His eyes were closed and there were bite marks and blood on his left forepaw and stomach. She could feel his heartbeat; it was feint but fast.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">David, as soon as he had seen Hedegar rush forward, had scrambled down the ledge, and now ran up to Susan. She turned to him, crying, and he hugged her tightly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“That silly hedgehog!” she exclaimed, when she had recovered enough to speak, pulling away slightly from David and turning back to the creature. “What did he do that for!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Susan!” said David, somewhat firmly, “It’s been done. What we need to do now, is work out if there’s a way to help him.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Susan nodded, wiping her eyes. In the meantime, Vixel had also made her way back down the ledge, and come over to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Vixel,” said David, turning to her, “What can we do for him? Is there some way we can draw out the poison?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The fox frowned. “Adder poison is pretty deadly on small animals. It’s how they get their prey. But if we can find the right plants we could possibly draw it out. In the mean time we need bandages and water.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Oh Hedegar!” cried Susan, “What were you thinking? I’m bigger than you. If you’d let it strike me I could have handled the poison better.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">David came up next to Susan, putting his hand on Susan’s shoulder. “It was reckless of him, but I’m glad it wasn’t you. That Hedgehog is braver than me. I should have thought of something to do, but instead I stood there watching from a safe distance.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Don’t be a fool boy,” scolded Vixel. “You couldn’t have done anything from where you were without endangering Susan more. And I believe as I’m sure you do that were you in Hedegar’s position you would have been shown to be just as brave, and perhaps less foolish.” She looked down at her friend shaking her head, before sobering. “Susan, do you have water?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Susan went over to her back-pack which she had dropped when she had run up to Hedegar and picked up the water-bottle. She also took out a handkerchief from her coat pocket. Bringing them back she unscrewed the lid of the bottle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Hedegar,” she whispered, “Can you hear me? Please drink some water.” For a while the hedgehog remained motionless, but then he opened his eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Susan,” he whispered back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Hedegar, you silly brave hedgehog!” she exclaimed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“You all give me far more credit than I deserve,” he croaked, closing his eyes for a bit, and then opening them again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Don’t talk nonsense,” replied Susan. “Now be quiet, and drink. Then I will bathe your wounds. If only I had Lucy’s cordial!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The hedgehog didn’t respond to her putting the water bottle up to his lips. “You don’t understand,” he then said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“I understand perfectly,” replied Susan, “And if we have any chance of saving you, we need you to co-operate.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Do as she says,” put in Vixel, the worry in her voice obvious.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“No,” insisted the injured hedgehog, “You don’t understand. None of you. I thought at least you would know, Vixel.” The three looked at him oddly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“He’s delirious,” said the fox, “the poison is starting to work.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“No,” replied the hedgehog, trying to sit up, but giving in on feeling the pain in his stomach.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“You don’t understand. I’m a hedgehog. I didn’t take on the snake because I was brave or thought my life less important than Susan’s. I’m a hedgehog.” He stopped speaking and winced a little.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“Of course you’re a headgehog,” scolded Vixel. “And you are brave. Stop talking nonsense.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“There’s something you need to know about hedgehogs,” added Hedegar, still struggling, but his voice getting a little steadier. “I thought everyone knew it, but I was wrong. We’re immune to snake poison.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The three standing next to him all looked at one another in disbelief. Was he telling the truth or was it the poison speaking? Regardless, he was clearly hurting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ll have some water now,” concluded the hedgehog. Susan lowered the bottle to his lips and he drank.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-33798302136981243852012-03-18T08:02:00.000-07:002016-02-23T04:52:08.621-08:00XII<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"></span><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">The Weeping Butterfly” mused Hedegar, “I remember that place. We often used to go for picnics there when we were hoglets. There was a cave behind the waterfall.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I wonder,” said Susan. “Maybe it's not nothing. Maybe that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> the key to the clue. Bragold might have been making use of the similarity between the two words. It's quite cleaver really.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I still don't get it,” said Scaltard, “What does a tear or weeping have to do with the tearing wind.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I'll show you,” answered Susan. She led them back to where the others were still working at the letters and showed them how the two words used the same letters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“This writing is stranger than I thought. But it was clever of Bragold to make use of the fact,” said Scaltard finally, the first to understand what she was saying. “If we are right, Bragold made sure this clue would not be easy for just anyone to understand. I wonder why?” The creatures were silent as they thought about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Well if Scaltard says it makes sense, I'm willing to accept it. What shall we do now?” asked Hedegar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Make a trip to the cave by the Weeping Butterfly and see if we can find the seed,” said Gelinda.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Has no one been into the cave before?” asked Susan. “Wouldn’t the seed have been found before now?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“It must be well hidden,” answered Hedegar, “We didn't go into the cave very often; we preferred playing outside in the sunlight.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“So, do we go at once?” asked Susan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“We'll call another meeting and tell the others. Then we'll make plans. It's not far to the waterfall. About half a days' journey,” said the hedgehog.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“It's almost lunch time,” said practical Gelinda, “Let's have a meeting over lunch.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">There was great excitement among the creatures when the news was brought that they had worked out the clue. The fact that they weren't completely sure they were right didn't seem to dampen their enthusiasm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">The following creatures were appointed to be part of the search party: Hedegar, Scaltard and Belinda, as well as Vixel the fox. And Susan of course. The bees had to leave shortly to attend to their hive, and Ratel agreed to stay behind, to keeping an eye on things while they were gone. Loopel said he didn't want to go, but would rather wait for Akadis came back to give him the news.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">It was decided that they would only leave the next day since they did not want to arrive at the falls at night. The rest of the day was spent making preparations for the journey.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">*-*-*-*</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">They left early the next morning. The walk was relatively uneventful as they followed the river. Susan found herself enjoying the walk. She couldn't remember the last time she had been on a walk in the countryside at home, and despite the more arid and rough landscape, it brought back memories of Narnia. In particular, she remembered the last time she had been there, in the days of Prince Caspian, when she and her siblings had gotten lost in the overgrown woods. She was glad that she was travelling with people who knew the landscape better than they had back then.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">The vegetation was thin, consisting mainly of thorns and small shrubs. There wasn’t much in the way of shade but there was a soft river breeze that kept them cool as they walked. They were walking upstream, on the left bank of the river. Ever to their left was the rocky and rough landscape Susan was becoming accustomed to and sheer cliffs forming the walls of mesas.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">They could hear the falls before they saw it. As they rounded a bend it came into sight. It wasn’t the largest or most spectacular falls ever, but it was still a pleasant sight in that arid landscape. Frothy foam spilled its way over the rough rock shelf in to a large round pool. The water in the pool was clear. Small plants grew on little outcrops on the rocky wall, enjoying the moisture from the spray of the falls. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">It was near midday when they finally reached the pool. There was a flat area with a tree that was trying to offer some shade where they rested and had a picnic lunch. Susan had forgotten how lovely the look and sound of cascading water could be. She was reminded of Cauldron Pool which she and her siblings had often visited when travelling through Lantern Waste during their reign in Narnia. On one part of the rock face there was a section of different-coloured rock. Sure enough, it didn’t require much imagination to see in it the shape of a butterfly. The Weeping Butterfly. This was it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“So do you think we’ve finally found it?” she asked Scaltard as they cleared away the lunch things. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“It would seem so,” was his simple reply. “It fits well with the clue. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tearing wind’s daughter</i> is the waterfall, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">echo that calls</i> the cave.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“What about the first part of the clue?” she asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I’ve been thinking about that,” answered the tortoise. I guess the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cup of cold water</i> also refers to the waterfall, I’m not sure how the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">leaf that falls</i> fits in.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Couldn’t it also be a reference to the falls,” she asked, “if Bragold was again using the double meaning of a word?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I’ve thought of that,” said Scaltard, “but it worries me that it specifically speaks of a leaf. Why a leaf? Well, hopefully we’re about to find out.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Susan looked again across the pool towards their destination. As the falls neared the river, the rock face suddenly veered away creating a cleft. Susan guessed that this was where the entrance to the cave was. At first glance, she could see no way of getting to it without swimming across the pool, but there was a small, steep path that became a ledge they could walk along. They made their way across cautiously. The entrance to the cave was fairly small, though large enough for them all to get through.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">The inside of the cave was cool and damp. It took some time for their eyes to adjust as they stepped in out of the bright sunlight. There was enough daylight shining in through the entrance to light up the cave which proved to be a medium sized round chamber. Apart from a few boulders and smaller stones marking a fire place, it was empty. The fire place itself appeared not to have been used in a long time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Now what?” asked Susan, “Where do we look?” She couldn’t help the sinking feeling that there weren’t many places to hide anything in here. Surely if what they were looking for had been kept here, it would have been found and taken years ago.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I doubt it’s in the main chamber,” answered Scaltard wisely. Susan hadn’t thought that this might not be the only part of the cave. She hadn’t seen any entrances to other passages, but now that she looked more closely at the dark back of the cave, she noticed two darker patches that might be holes. The animals made their way to the back and discovered one small passage and another larger one. Susan and Vixel would never fit through the former so they decided to split up. Susan, Vixel and Scaltard would take the one passage, Hedegar and Belinda the other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“We’re going to need light,” said Hedegar suddenly. They hadn’t really thought about this before and felt a little foolish. The pale light from outside which was enough for the main chamber would not carry into the darker rooms. We’ll need to go back outside and get some sticks and grass for torches. Good thing there’s flint in the picnic set.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">He was about to head back out when Susan remembered, “Wait!” she said. “I have a torch!” The animals looked at her quizzically. She had completely forgotten Edmund’s favourite torch, the replacement for the one he had lost in Narnia, which she’d packed in her back pack. When she pulled it out, the animals starred in awe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“What kind of torch is that,” asked Vixel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“It’s metal,” said Scaltard, “Who would make a torch out of metal? Metal doesn’t burn.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“It’s a different type of torch,” answered Susan, “It doesn’t work by burning. Well it does, but it’s the little thing inside the globe that burns, drawing energy from the batteries…” She stopped, realising she was making no sense. “Here...let me show you. As she switched it on, it cast a pale glow. The cracked lens meant the light was distorted slightly instead of a single beam. The animals all took an involuntary step (or flutter) back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Is it magic?” asked Vixel, a little afraid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“No, not magic,” answered Susan, trying to think how to explain, “In my world some very clever people found a way to… trap…the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">flame</i> of a torch into this small section called a globe. There are…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fuel packs</i> inside the stem of the torch that keep the flame going. You switch it on…no…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">set it alight</i> by pressing this button here that acts like a flint.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">The animals didn’t look too convinced but accepted her explanation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Unfortunately I only have one, so we’ll either have to take turns or we can still collect sticks and grass to make another one.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“We can take turns,” said Hedegar, “You go ahead first.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Susan, Scaltard and Vixel made their way cautiously through the gap and found themselves in a passage. The light of the torch wasn’t very bright, but the passage was narrow enough that no-one could get lost. It was quite long and went slightly downhill. They could tell they were nearing the end when the walls started to get a little further apart and the ceiling higher. Suddenly it opened out into a second chamber, slightly smaller than the first.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">The first thing Susan noticed was a large chest in the middle of the chamber. There was a strange shape sticking up a little behind it and something a little like torch light coming from behind. Next thing she knew, the shape had grown in height and there was a man standing behind the chest shining a torch at her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Pointing her torch back at him, she immediately recognised the face of the man.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“David,” she gasped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">*-*-*-*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">The young man’s cautious expression relaxed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Susan, I’m so glad I found you. Or did you find me? You couldn’t have known I was in this cave?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I take it you found the ring I dropped,” she responded a little coldly. She silenced the next thought that came to mind, that perhaps he had somehow taken it from her on purpose that day, but the facts didn’t make that possible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">A strange grunting noise resembling the clearing of one’s throat came from the direction of Scaltard. Susan had temporarily forgotten about her companions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Oh sorry, “David, this is Scaltard the tortoise and Vixel the fox. Scaltard, Vixel, this is my friend David from my world. He’s a…son of Adam.” All of them looked at her quizzically, and she realised David wouldn’t be the only one doing some explaining.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Pleased to meet your acquaintance,” said Vixel, the first to remember politeness. As she spoke, David took an involuntary step back and his eyes widened. But he grinned, with a look more of interest than alarm. “So this is Narnia?” he said after only a brief hesitation, “Talking animals. You made it back.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Susan looked at him and shook her head. “Well actually, no. It’s different world. One that also has talking animals.” She didn’t feel like telling the whole story in this dark room and the torch batteries weren’t going to last forever. She suggested they return to the main chamber where she could introduce David to the others. They all agreed and made their way back, their quest for the seed all but forgotten.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">When Susan had introduced David to the others, and explained he was a friend from her world that had come here the same way as she had (though she had not known he would), and they were all seated comfortably in the entrance cave, she turned to him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“So what are you doing here?” she asked, perhaps a little harshly. She was not sure whether to be angry or flattered that he had clearly followed her here against her wishes. She was confused too. If he had picked up the ring the day she dropped it, why was he not in the Wood between the Worlds before her? He couldn’t have arrived in this world before her since he had no green ring. And how dare he leave his sister behind?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I told you I didn’t want you going off on your own into strange worlds,” he began, “So when the chance came, I had to take it. I guess you discovered you’d dropped one of the rings when you left London. It was at the bus stop, where we had been waiting. I saw it just as the bus had gone out of sight. I was wearing gloves, you remember; it was a cold morning. I didn’t come at once because I knew it would be a day at least before you left, and I couldn’t simply leave Kathy without making sure she was cared for. So I went back home and arranged for a cousin who had recently moved to London to take care of her. It took a couple days for me to sort out everything or I would have been here sooner.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Susan nodded, and allowed a brief smile, relieved he had made his sister a priority. “So I understand how you got to the Wood between the Worlds. But how did you get here, and what are you doing in this cave – in that back chamber of all places?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Why I was waiting for you to find me,” he answered, with a good natured twinkle in his eye, “I thought to myself, now where would be a good place to find Susan? Oh, in a hidden back chamber of a cave behind a waterfall.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Oh, do be serious,” said Susan, a little irritated that he was teasing her in front of her new friends, “And just how exactly did you know we were coming?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I didn’t really,” he answered, becoming more serious. “When I arrived in the Wood, I had no idea how I would find you. I never expected all the pools to be quite so identical. Well…I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t that. Actually, it took me a while, on first coming out of our pool to remember what I was even doing there. It was a strange feeling, but for a while it seemed I’d always been there. Until I saw a little guinea-pig walking up to me. He seemed quite determined and nudged my hand to get my attention. I noticed he had a green and yellow ring tied around his neck, and a note. That was when it came back to me. I remembered you mentioning the guinea-pigs and how we had laughed at it. Then I read your note. Come to think of it, you can’t blame me for coming after you; you were the one who left the green ring for me.” He stifled another mischievous grin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I left that ring so you could get back to earth; with express instructions as to how to get back to earth. Not so you could follow me. Besides, how did you find this world? Of all the pools to choose from, how did you know it was this?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I didn’t,” he answered, “I had no idea whether I’d chosen the right world or not. Not until you shone that torch in my face back there. Although the guinea-pig helped me; he was the one who led me to it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, the guinea-pig, of course. That animal was both a help and a nuisance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“That silly guinea-pig! He was supposed to show you how to get back to earth,” grumbled Susan, still pretending to be annoyed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Well, okay,” confessed David, “I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">may</i> have asked him if he happened to know where you had gone.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Susan glared at him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Hey, I went there with the intention of finding you. I wasn’t about to give up. I had no idea whether or not he understood me. But he led me to the pool and here I am. He’s really quite intelligent that creature.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Susan nodded. “Although I asked him the way to Narnia, and he brought me here instead.” That had been plaguing her all along. This was the wrong world, and yet it happened to be the one world that was in need of a human to read the mysterious clue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Well he knew which pool I was looking for,” answered David. “By the way, you never told me the rings acted like magnets. I brought the guinea-pig with me. Not intentionally. He practically jumped into my arms as I was stepping into the pool.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">Susan turned her eyes away slightly. “Yeah, I forgot about that part until I was in the Wood, or I would have…” she broke off, realising she was about to confess how if she had remembered that part she would probably have gone back and asked him to come with her after discovering the second ring was missing. “But wait, you said you brought the guinea-pig with you. Where is he?” she added, quickly changing the topic and grateful it was too dark for her reddening cheeks to show.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Well that brings us to the next part of the story. We spent the night in the cave last night. He was still asleep when I woke this morning, so I left him while I went outside to scout the landscape and check whether it was safe. When I came back at lunch time, he had disappeared. I was hoping he had gone exploring one of the other chambers and not wondered outside somewhere. I was looking for him in the other chamber when you arrived.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“You just left him here by himself all morning?” asked Susan slightly incredulous.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“I thought it was safer for him in the cave. And he seems to be somewhat intelligent, so I figured he’d feel the same.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“What do you mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">safer</i>? It’s perfectly safe here.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“For a human, perhaps, but not for a smaller creature like a guinea-pig. As soon as we arrived yesterday afternoon, we were greeted by a screeching cry. There was a massive eagle, larger than any I’ve ever seen in our world. He spotted the guinea-pig and started swooping down on him. The guinea-pig took fright, and started running. I never knew such a small creature could run so fast. We weren’t far from the waterfall and I’m not sure how he knew it was there, but the guinea-pig found the path to the cave and made a run for safety. It was a close call. I think the eagle would have gotten him if he hadn’t reached the curtain of water just in time. Once the eagle had given up, I made my way to the cave. The guinea-pig was a little shaken, but recovered quickly. We spent the night there, afraid that the eagle might return.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Excuse me, sir?” put in Hedegar suddenly. The animals had been listening to the exchange quietly until now. “Did you say you saw an eagle? There have been no eagles in these parts for ages.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“It looked to me like an eagle, or at least what we call an eagle in our world, only bigger,” he answered with a frown.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Strange,” said Scaltard, “I wonder what it means?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“So here you are,” said Susan, turning back to David. “You made your way to this world (against my wishes) and just happened to be in the cave we were searching in. What now?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: inherit;">“Well that’s up to you, Susan. I think it’s time you told me about your adventure,” answered David, “What has happened since you arrived and what are you and your friends doing in this cave?”</span></div>
</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-72599236121955551072012-03-18T08:01:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:37:53.052-08:00XI<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was silence as Hedegar turned to the mysterious small chest Susan had all but forgotten about. He produced a key and unlocked it, lifting its lid. He bent down and took out a small scroll. Susan didn't have a chance see whether there was anything else in the little box before he closed and locked it again. Hedegar, holding the parchment in his left paw, looked uncertainly at the animals in the square.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Are you just going to give it to her?” asked Loopel, critically.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“How else will we know whether she is who she says she is?” said Gelinda in Hedegar's defence, “How will we know whether she can truly read it or not?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“She could pretend,” argued Akadis.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I thought we'd been through all this,” said Ratel getting a little agitated. “We've told her the story. And as she pointed out earlier, the best we can do is put her to the test and see whether or not she proves herself. What harm will come if she can't help us? We'll be no better off than we are now.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The opposing creatures backed down, still looking unhappy and allowed Hedegar to hand over the scroll.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan looked at it carefully. It seemed to be made of parchment, some soft kind of leather; it was in a remarkably good condition considering its age. Carefully, she undid the ribbon that held it closed and rolled it open on the small stone table in the middle of the square. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan had no idea what she had expected to see - probably some kind of strange script with unusual characters like those used for foreign languages (Greek, Hebrew or those even stranger eastern scripts). More likely she expected something Narnian, like the characters engraved on the Stone Table, describing the Deep Magic from the Dawn of Time and before.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What she saw instead was the most unexpected yet most ordinary thing there was; writing in the basic Latin script used by many European cultures in our world including her own England. And what is more, the words were simple English. Though she had no idea what they meant, she could read them quite easily. How very odd!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Well?” asked a voice, and she realised the eyes of all the creatures were on her, “Can you read it?” Susan hesitated. “Yes, of course I can, can’t you?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She got blank looks in reply. “Surely not,” said Scaltard, “There are few enough literate in these days as it is, but even for the learned is a most peculiar script, very unlike the one we use. Do you know what is says? What language is it? We have tried over the years to decipher it, but it seems to follow no logic. The characters are so repetitive and few.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Why it’s the very language we are speaking now,” said Susan, bemused. “The script is that used by many languages in my world”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“How peculiar,” gasped Vixel in awe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I don’t believe her,” scowled Akadis. "She’s bluffing."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“What does it say?” questioned Loopel suspiciously.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I can tell you what it says, though I can’t make any sense out of the words,” she replied, “I suppose it’s some sort of clue.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Ah,” answered Hedegar thoughtfully, “I thought that might be the case. It seems like Bragold used a cryptic clue. We shall have to decipher it.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The hare and lizard looked at Susan sceptically, “How do we know she’s translating it properly?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Calm down young creatures,” said the tortoise with some reproach, “We haven’t even heard what it says yet, let us hear it first before judging it.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“There’s no question of the translation,” said Susan in her own defence. “As I said, it is in your very own language, all I am doing is reading it. You may interpret it how you will.” She was feeling somewhat frustrated by all the scepticism and hoped they would believe her, though she knew what she had to say was not going to impress them very much. With some reservation she proceeded.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"It says the following:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>A cold cup of water,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>A leaf as it falls,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The tearing wind’s daughter,<i> </i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><i>The echo that calls."</i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were a few seconds' silence. “Please continue,” said Scaltard eventually. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I’m finished,” answered Susan, “That’s it. I told you it didn’t make sense.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Oh,” said the tortoise, as if he had been expecting something much longer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I knew it,” said Akadis. “This girl is a fraud. Either she can’t read it, or not very well, or she’s making it up, I fail to believe Bragold would have written all that time an effort to give us that.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Weren’t you listening at all?” answered Hedegar, “She told us it was a riddle.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“A riddle?” answered the lizard, “That’s not a riddle; it’s just a jumble of words.” We’ve wasted enough time as it is. I say we call it a night, and tomorrow forget all about this meeting, and the silly seed. We’ve waited long enough, we can wait a little longer until someone more useful appears. Until then, let us get on with our lives. They are pleasant enough.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan was thinking fast, the look on Hedegar’s face was a little alarming. Despite her earlier speech, she realised that some of the animals would not accept her without evidence that she was telling the truth. Something seemed to be warning her that she needed to convince them quickly; she feared that a faction in the council could only cause unwanted trouble. She felt that it was her responsibility to make them believe her. Just as soon as this, another thought occurred to her - there was one thing she could do that might help her convince them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan had never had much interest in languages, but she knew enough to surmise that whatever script was used in this world, it was some kind of hieroglyphic-type one in which each picture represented a whole word. The concept of symbols representing individual sounds had never occurred to them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Actually”, she said cautiously, “I may be able to prove to you quite easily that I’m telling the truth. Give me some time and I can show you that this is the same language you are speaking right now. It may take a little while, but I can teach the script to you.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of the creatures perked up at the suggestion that they could learn to read this strange script; the dissenters, however, just scowled.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“That sounds fair to me,” said Gelinda, “What do you say?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I think it would be an unnecessary waste of time,” complained Hedegar, “Clearly she knows what she’s talking about.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I would love to learn to read this script,” said Vixel, “Though I agree with Hedegar, we could always learn it at some later stage. Let us search for the seed first. Once we have found it, we will have plenty time for study. And if we don’t find, it then we will know she is lying anyway.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Well we can’t find anything until we know where to look, so before anything else, we have to decipher what the clue means,” put in Gelinda.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I agree,” said Akadis, finally speaking up for the detractors, who had been rather subdued since Susan suggested teaching them the script, “Time, time and time. All you creatures ever do is waste time. Time for finding clues, for deciphering them, for learning the script. While you waste all the time you want, I am going to bed. I have work to do in the morning.” He was standing upright, and crossed his lizardy forelegs over his chest and as a human would, before walking off in a temper towards his sleeping mat.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The mysterious weaver spoke up next. “You all are right that taking time to study the script may be an unnecessary waste, but you have waited these many years. And if it’s going to take time to decipher the clue anyway, we can wait a little longer. So, if everyone is going to work together I suggest you accept her offer. But it is late; perhaps we should adjourn until morning.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was fast approaching midnight; the animals had forgotten the time in the excitement of the meeting. Most of the creatures were happy with this suggestion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*-*-*-*</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next morning, Susan woke to discover the camp full of activity and bustle as preparations were made for breakfast. Ratel saw her stirring and came over.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Good Morning, Miss Susan, do hope you slept well.” Susan realised that she had, despite this being her second consecutive night on the ground. On getting up, however, she found herself a little stiff. She also felt that a bath and change of clothes would be a good idea and wondered when or where she would find a chance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She was not then able to think more about this, as she found herself being bustled off by the lady badger to breakfast. Breakfast was a combination of fruits and honey, finished off with some kind of warm tea-like brew. It was by far the best she’d eaten since arriving in the Phairdayle valley.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No one seemed particularly inclined to discuss the matter of the lost seed while breakfast was being eaten. The group was broken up into small clusters who shared light conversation with each other. Susan joined Hedegar, Ratel and Gelinda.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After breakfast, Hedegar got everyone’s attention and summoned them to gather around so they could continue with the matter before them. Only when everyone had taken their places did they realise that Akadis had vanished. He had been there during breakfast eating with Loopel and Scaltard. The latter two had gone off search of a second round of the breakfast brew and were in the process of helping themselves when Hedegar called them for the meeting. Akadis had apparently slipped away. Loopel suggested that he must have gone off to attend to something, maybe do a little hunting since fruit was not his favourite meal, but there was a quiver of uncertainty in his voice. At the same time, it was noticed that the weaver too had vanished, though he had been gone since before breakfast and had a habit of vanishing thus, so the animals were less concerned by him. Susan, however, felt somewhat disquieted by his absence.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The animals debated whether they should wait until Akadis’ return, but eventually decided to begin without him and fill him in should he return.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hedegar began the meeting by summing up the events and discussion points from the night before. It was agreed that until they could work out what was meant by the words on the scroll, Susan would teach them something of the mysterious script in which it was written. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan found she enjoyed the task and was reminded of a time in her childhood when she had wanted to be a school mistress or governess when she was older, a desire which predated her first trip to Narnia. In that world, she had grown up a queen and interest in passing on knowledge to others was swallowed up by the more important queenly duties, which had brought fulfilment of a different kind.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back in our world, she realised she had abandoned that desire. Despite her adamant denial of Narnia, she had still let the greatness of court life fill her mind with becoming a woman of influence; a matron of a wealthy household or the like. That is why she had exulted in the friendship of people like Margaret. That was why parties, invitations, nylons, fancy dresses and lipsticks had occupied so much of her life. She realised with a sense of irony that even though she had come to deny the reality of her time in Narnia, she had allowed the subconscious memory of the glory of court life to influence her behaviour in our world. She had been seeking all along to regain some semblance of the queenly life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She saw now the foolishness of it all. Courtly affairs were hardly the most exciting part of life as a queen. As the elder queen it had often been her responsibility to organise and host fancy events, which was something of a chore. Spending time in the day to day affairs of the kingdom; interacting with the creatures one-on-one, or riding about the countryside, hunting or visiting friends, had been far more enjoyable part of life. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was something of a shock to realise the course her life had been taking and she realised now that if she ever got through this adventure and back to our world, her life would take a very different course.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan’s reverie was broken by Scaltard coming up to her and nudging her hand. She had given the creatures the task of learning the first few letters she had taught them in pairs by drawing scratches in the sand. It seemed like he, as the most literate among them, was having more trouble than the rest of them coming to terms with the idea that symbols could represent sounds and not words.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She had not realised how novel and strange an idea it was to them until she had tried to explain it. It was nearly lunch time so she told them to take a break. She also thought that the lessons would go much better if she could find something better than the ground to write on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*-*-*-* </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The day passed in something of a blur. Many of the animals were enjoying the new activity of learning to read this script that was so old and unfamiliar. But Susan perceived that it did not interest all of them and there was a sense of uneasiness growing that had begun with Akadis’ vanishing. He did not return, and Susan was reminded of the time her brother had vanished in a similar way during their visit with the beavers that first night in Narnia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She noticed Hedegar standing on his own a little away from the camp apparently lost in thought. She went over to him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At first he did not notice her and she was reluctant to disturb him, but eventually he turned his eyes to her, breaking his reverie.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“It feels so odd,” he said, speaking at last, “to be this close to finding the seed. After all these years, what was only a dream may become real. Just learning about the script this clue was written in excites me and yet I am afraid too. What if we don’t find it? What if the clue cannot be cracked or the seed had been moved? What if it will not bring the restoration we hope for? It feels like a task too great for me to bear.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“But you don’t bear it alone,” comforted Susan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Perhaps not alone, but I feel responsible. It was the long-eared hedgehogs that guarded the clue. I keep thinking of the words over and over again. Surely the key to crack it was passed down to me. If only there was something I had heard, from my father or grandfather that would help it make sense, but I can think of nothing. I confess I expected the instructions would be clearer. Are you sure that is what it says?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Certain,” answered Susan, glad she could answer with such confidence. “There is no other way anyone can read it. I may not have been the one prophesied but any other Son of Adam or Daughter of Eve would have read it the same.” Then on inspiration, hoping to cheer him up, she added, “Why don’t you talk to Scaltard? Maybe the two of you together can work things out.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hedegar nodded to her suggestion and they made their way to the tortoise who had overcome his difficulties since the morning and was happily helping some of the others with the script. When he saw them, he left off his explanation to Vixel and made his way over to them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Thank you for teaching us this, Daughter of Eve. If nothing else, you have given us something to work on together and to stretch the brains of the young. But how may I help you?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“The clue,” answered Susan, “Hedegar is trying to figure out what it might mean and I thought maybe if you work together you might be able to think of something.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Aah…the clue” he replied. “Yes, I spent much of the night running it over in my head. But to no avail. It must refer to some particular place but I cannot think where.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>A cold cup of water,<br />
A leaf as it falls,<br />
The tearing wind’s daughter<br />
The echo that calls.” </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Surely the echo is important?” Susan asked, she hadn’t thought of the actual words since the first time she read it. “Doesn’t that point to some place? Can you think of a place that is particularly known for its echoes?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I’ve been thinking that,” answered the tortoise. It seems to point to a cave, but there are many caves in this valley under the mesas; it would take us forever to search every one. The other points are no better. Water, leaves and wind are all so common. There must be something about the combination of these things, but I cannot think what it is.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“That’s what I’ve been thinking,” answered Hedegar, "and it’s gotten me nowhere. We must be missing something important”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Why daughter?” asked Scaltard, half thinking aloud, half addressing Hedegar and Susan. “Why is it the wind’s daughter and not the wind itself? What is the wind’s daughter?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I thought it was just because it rhymed with water,” answered Susan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“No,” responded the hedgehog confidently. It wouldn’t have been put there without reason. Scaltard is right there must be something important about that. <i>The wind’s daughter</i>… The wind doesn’t have children. It makes no sense, and therefore it must be significant…”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Wait! I knew it sounded familiar,” he suddenly said with a jubilant look on his face. “Gelinda will know. Gelinda!” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He shouted the last, running off to find the butterfly, leaving his companions staring after him. After looking at each other in puzzlement they followed him. By the time they caught up to Hedegar, he was in earnest conversation with the butterfly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Calm down, Hedegar,” she admonished, her sweet voice betraying a hard edge. “How am I supposed to know what you are talking about when you speak so fast?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eventually the hedgehog quieted himself down long enough for the others to get out of him what he was going on about. Apparently, when he was a child, his grandmother had often told him and his siblings a story called <i>The Wind’s Daughter</i>. It had been so long since he had last heard it he had completely forgotten. It was about a butterfly. An orphan butterfly who had lost her parents when she was still a caterpillar. She spent her whole life trying to figure out who she was, where she belonged and what she was meant to do with her life. One day she was so weary of life and so tired of not fitting in, she made herself a bed, wrapped herself up and went to sleep in it. When she woke up, she could tell something had changed. She found the soft bed she had made had solidified when she had fallen asleep and she was trapped. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Afraid that she would spend the rest of her life not only confused but alone in this dark world, she fought her way out. At last, she broke free of her prison and realised that she had changed. She was no longer a crawling worm but had wings; wings like the birds and yet so different. She didn’t know what to do with them until a gust of wind swept her from the branch she had been clinging to. She found she could fly. With her new-found wings, she was reinvigorated with a sense of purpose. She believed she had found who she was and what she was made for. Thereafter she called herself “the wind’s daughter”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After hearing the story the others agreed that the Hedegar had found what the wind’s daughter referred to, but they were no closer to knowing what it meant. Hedegar had been convinced that Gelinda would know, but she simply shook her small head and feelers. She had never even heard the story before.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Scaltard said the echoing probably referred to a cave,” said Susan, her mind ticking, “Maybe it’s a cave near where Gelinda lives. Perhaps the one we stayed in that first night.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hedegar looked excited for a minute, but then frowned. “There are too many caves in that area”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“More importantly,” answered Gelinda, “I am not the only butterfly in these parts and my parents lived in a completely different place to where I live now. If it referred to a butterfly, it would have to be one that had lived at the time the clue was made.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“There would have been lots of butterflies around then as now. There must be more to it,” put in Scaltard with a sigh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Why would it be the <i>tearing</i> wind’s daughter?” asked Susan. “What does tearing have to do with butterflies? I hate to say this, but we’re on the wrong track.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Tearing wind…the wind that tears; <i>tares</i>; <i>te-ars</i>…” she said the words aloud to herself, the last one pronounced as the moisture that forms in one’s eyes when one cries.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Wait, what did you say?” asked Gelinda suddenly. Susan began to repeat it, but the butterfly interrupted her, “No, the last thing? What do tears have to do with the tearing wind?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan looked at her and frowned. “Oh nothing, I was just playing with the word. We spell tear and tear the same.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Spell, like in magic?” asked Hedegar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Um no, the two words are…” <i>Oh dear, this could be difficult to explain</i>. She hadn’t gone into the intricacies of spelling and spelling/pronunciation differences in teaching the animals the script. They were still trying to master the letters.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Well, it’s kind of complicated,” she said at last, “but <i>tear</i> and <i>tear</i> use the same symbols…letters…to write them even though they sound different.” She could see they didn’t understand. “It doesn’t matter anyway,” she added, “the word is <i>tearing</i>, I was just thinking aloud.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Oh,” said Gelinda, sounding somewhat disappointed, “it’s just that you made me think of something when you mentioned tears. There’s this place, just below one of the waterfalls, where the colouring on the rock face looks a little like a butterfly. When it’s rained a lot, the fall’s water sprays over it and creates a rainbow, adding to the effect. It is sometimes called “The weeping butterfly”. There’s something of a legend about it having magical properties but no one believes that these days. But you said it’s got nothing to do with crying?” </div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-41789109752038019012012-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:37:39.405-08:00X<div 0cm="0cm" align="JUSTIFY" margin-bottom:="">
A hushed silence fell over the animals, as Susan sat there, fighting the emotion which would eventually lead to tears if she let it. At last the weaver spoke up, “Our friend here speaks with wisdom. I am satisfied.” A few creatures nodded their heads slightly in agreement. Those who had raised the questions in the first place shuffled uneasily. Akadis looked towards Loopel, licked his lips with his forked tongue, and then spoke up, “That's it then. We're going to accept that she speaks the truth? That she's a Daughter of Eve, the one of whom the prophesy speaks?<br />
<br />
Ratel was about to confirm her assent, when Susan stood up again. “Look here, I told you I am a daughter of Eve, and that is the truth, but I know nothing of your prophesy. I never claimed to be the person of whom this prophesy speaks, and I dare say it was intended for someone else. In fact, I'm pretty sure of it...”<br />
<br />
“Oh great,” interrupted Loopel, “I told you she couldn't be the one. This meeting has wasted enough of my time. I say we adjourn this meeting and get some sleep so we can get back to our work first thing in the morning.”<br />
<br />
He was already standing up and getting ready to make his way to his sleeping mat, when the weaver admonished him. “Don't be a fool, Loopel, sit down and let the girl finish what she was staying. This meeting will continue until we have reached a consensus.” Turning back to Susan, he addressed her, “Tell us dear, what makes you so sure you are not the one of whom the prophesy speaks.”<br />
<br />
Susan was uncertain how much she should say. This whole situation was so strange, so unreal. Last time, in Narnia, she had had her siblings to help her make decisions, now she was on her own. Sitting again, she began to explain. “I...I don't think I'm the one, because it was not I who was supposed to make the trip here. My cousin, Eustace, and his friend, Jill, they were the ones who should have come. After they were...unable to make it, I came instead.”<br />
<br />
“I don't understand,” said Vixel the fox, “Who were these others, and why could they not come?”<br />
<br />
“Eustace is...was a Son of Adam, and Jill a daughter of Eve. They were on their way wh-when they were killed in an accident. I knew that they had planned to come and so came instead. I did not, however, know their reason for coming.”<br />
<br />
“And how exactly did you get here?” asked Hedegar, watching her with curiosity. Susan knew she had to tell the truth, not that she could think of any other explanation for how she had ended up on top of a mesa. “I came by magic,” she answered.<br />
<br />
There was a sharp intake of breath and the animals glanced at each other with growing uneasiness. “I used the same magic, the other two would have used,” she quickly added, hoping it would ease the tension a little.<br />
<br />
“It has been a long time since any practised magic in this land.” said explained Hedegar, seeming almost apologetic for cold response to the word. “The last magicians were expelled for delving in the black arts. But we could have expected such. Do the rumours not say that old Bragold himself practised magic, and it was he who first uttered the prophesy.”<br />
<br />
“But the magic he practised was of a different kind to that of the magicians, so the legends say,” argued Vixel. A number of animals nodded. There would have been yet another awkward silence, had Hedegar not said, “But we interrupt the girl's story. She was telling us of these other two. So, you believe that they are the ones we have waited for all these years, but that they are now dead and you have come as a messenger?”<br />
<br />
“No, not exactly. I don't <i>know</i> that it was them, I'm just guessing, since they were meant to use the magic. I'm still trying to figure out for myself what happened, and one of the reasons I came was to look for answers. There's something important I need to know. What is the name of this place, of this world? Is this the world where there is a country called Narnia?”<br />
<br />
“Do you mean to say,” asked Vixel with surprise, “That you are not from this world? That your magic has brought you from another? No wonder we have never seen any of your kind before. We always assumed the children of Adam and Eve would come from beyond the sea.”<br />
<br />
Ratel spoke next, as all the animals stared at Susan with awe, “As to our world, it has no specific name – it is simply 'the world'. There have always been some who believed, as you suggest, that there are other worlds out there, but ours is the only one we have ever known. The name of our land, from the Western Sea to the impassable Frosted Mountains is Crestfaulen. Our home, the valley through which the Kloof River runs is called Phairdayl. Of a place called Narnia, I have never heard, though it may beyond the sea.”<br />
<br />
“It is not,” spoke up the weaver, and all turned their attention to him as he spoke with such confidence. “Among the bird folk, there are many who have travelled further than ever a weaver bird could. Some of my friends have passed over the sea and visited the other lands in this world. Among the councils of birds no such name has ever been uttered, it's a name I would not have forgotten.”<br />
<br />
“Oh,” said Susan, suddenly puzzled. Despite the landscape, despite the strange creatures, she did not realise till now, but she had been certain that she was somewhere in the world of Narnia. She remembered what it was like returning to Narnia that first time after thousands of years. They had not recognised it then, and she knew it would not be inconceivable that she had arrived once again after thousands of years. None of the Pevensies, not even Eustace and Jill, from the rumours she had heard of their northern adventure, had travelled to the furthest North. She had been convinced that she was now somewhere in that region. This changed everything.<br />
<br />
As far as she knew, it was a Narnian man who had called to the friends of Narnia during their final gathering. It was certainly some human-looking apparition. And these creatures claimed not to have seen humans before. If this was not the world, not the place to which Eustace and Jill should have gone, then who <i>was</i> the prophesy about? And what about Narnia? Were they still in trouble?<br />
<br />
Why had the guinea-pig pointed her to this pool, if it this not Narnia? Was she wrong about him, was he simply a normal guinea-pig with no knowledge or intelligence beyond those on Earth? As these questions began to fill her mind, she suddenly felt very foolish, very lonely and very afraid. She felt the sudden temptation to slip on the yellow ring which was still in her pocket. But the weaver was watching her with that intense gaze, and she knew she could not remove it from it's bag without him noticing.<br />
<br />
The moment passed and she felt instead that the safest thing to do was to learn more about the prophesy. She could always escape at a more convenient time should she feel the need.<br />
<br />
“What's wrong, dear,” said Gelinda speaking up for the first time during the meeting. “Uh...I think I was wrong...about Eustace and Jill, about this land, about everything. Would you mind telling me more about the prophesy? I no longer know who this prophesied person is or was or should be, but perhaps I can help you figure it out.”<br />
<br />
The animals looked at each other. “This is a strange situation,” spoke up Vixel, “but if all are in agreement, I think we should tell her. I don't know much about prophesies and magic and other worlds, but I believe there is a reason she was brought here.”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*-*-*-*</div>
<br />
The tortoise, who until this time had been so silent that Susan had forgotten he was even there, was the one to take up the story.<br />
<br />
“Many years ago, when my grandfather was still young,” he began in the slow but firm voice of one reciting a tale, “the Phairdayle valley was very different in appearance from the way it is today. Amongst the thorn trees grew another taller and fairer tree. It was known as the breaknut tree. It was a special plant, and encouraged the growth of many other plants that have long since died off. The valley was much greener then. Shrubs, with exquisite flowers thrived, and there was many a grassy dell. In those days, the vegetation was not so limited to the river valley, but but spread even to the foot of the mesas. There were many more creatures living in this valley back then. It was a happy and prosperous time.<br />
<br />
“The breaknut tree was the livelihood of the valley community. It was not only a source of shelter and the staple food, but the plant was used in every aspect of valley life. The wood of the tree was used for building various things – especially rafts. River travel was important in those days. While every part, even the leaves, were useful, the fruit was by far the most valuable part of the tree. It had a hard outer shell, resembling a large nut. But inside, there was a rich, juicy and nutritious flesh. The inner seeds produced a precious oil, used in medicine and in giving light amongst other things. <br />
<br />
“Perhaps the most important properties of the tree, were medicinal. It was said that the breaknut tree could cure any ill: the leaves, in a broth, could break a fever; the roots, crushed, relieved pain; the flowers produced an oil which could be applied to scratches and burns; small branches and twigs could be chewed to prevent teeth rotting and toothache. The seeds were the most potent of all, and an individual tree's value was based on the amount of fruit, and therefore number of seeds, it produced. There was often a debate among the valley dwellers as to the ratio of seeds used for medicine or oil versus those planted to produce new trees. There would come a time, however, when the debate would become void, as a struggle for survival led to the death of the trees.<br />
<br />
“In those days, there was much trade between the dwellers of the Phairdayle valley and the rest of Crestfallen. The breaknut tree was endemic to the valley, and try as their neighbours might, the plant would not grow elsewhere. As a result, our forefathers sold off parts and products of the trees at very great prices. They became some of the wealthiest creatures in the land, but it would seem that their wealth was in vain. The breaknut tree was slow in the growing, and it became apparent that between their own use of the plant and that of their neighbours, the number of trees could not be sustained forever.<br />
<br />
“It was decided by the ruler of the time, a honey badger named Creole, that all trade in breaknut trees and their products must cease. The neighbouring creatures were not at all pleased and accused the Phairdaylers of hoarding the plant for themselves to increase their own power and wealth.<br />
<br />
“One night in a daring raid, the creatures of Vencoshi, the next valley over, made their way into our valley. The trees had always been allowed to grow naturally, but the Phairdaylers had begun a modest plantation in the hopes of increasing the alarmingly declining number of trees. The Vencoshites entered the plantation, which no one had thought it necessary to guard, and stole twenty saplings. Since the trees could not grow in their soil, these plants would have benefited them little, as they were not yet in flower. Not satisfied with their theft, the Vencoshites then set fire to the rest of the plantation. They lost over 200 trees in one night.<br />
<br />
“The loss of almost half the breaknut trees in the valley was only the start of the Phairdayers troubles. That summer would be unusually dry. It was believed by some that the ash of the burning breaknut trees had polluted the air and somehow contributed to the dry and murky weather. The Kloof River became only a trickle and many of the tributaries dried up completely. It was a blessing that the fruit of the remaining breaknut trees, which continued to grow despite the drought, was not only good for food, but contained enough liquid to prevent complete dehydration. <br />
<br />
“Swift on the heals of the drought, however, came a deadly disease. It was a mysterious plague which swept through the valley – and it had only one cure.<br />
<br />
“What was to bring survival to the Phairdaylers would mean the perishing of their beloved trees. A brew, made from boiled seeds of the breaknut tree could be used to treat those who were sick, but very many seeds were required to create the desired strength, and there were very many sick creatures. For some time, the physicians experimented with other versions of the treatment, but time was little, and when lives were on the line, these could not be easily tested. <br />
<br />
“One day, almost by accident, they had a breakthrough. In the core of the breaknut trees, was a sap that contained the same substance which was in the seeds. The sap could be extracted from the trees by boring a hole into the core.<br />
<br />
“The sap contained a stronger concentration and more plentiful amount of the liquid – but drilling the tree meant its death. Once the sap was gone, the tree could no longer live. The number of surviving trees was already less than eighty at this time, when a second wave of the plague passed through.<br />
<br />
“Creatures who had recovered from the first bout, fell ill again. At first, the Phairdaylers continued to use only the seeds of the trees, but the number of seeds in storage continued to decrease. It reached a point where, once a tree had been stripped of its fruit and seeds, it was considered more prudent drill it for its sap than to wait until it bore new fruit.<br />
<br />
“It became apparent that the trees would not hold out. The animals were now in survival mode. What was the point of preserving these trees if no creatures survived to enjoy them? Lives were a priorty, and the trees would be used in whatever way they could to save lives. Other places lived without breaknut trees, if they could only survive the plague until the autumn rains, they could continue to live on without them. <br />
<br />
“And that is what happened. Not a single tree was spared. In the end, every spare seed, every tree was used up. The story goes that the day on which the last tree, long stripped of its fruit, was bored for its sap, was the day that the rains came. <br />
<br />
“The rains brought not only refreshment, but cleansing. Within a month, all trace of the plague was gone. Though some were lost to the plague, many valley dwellers had survived and they did not regret their decision to choose their lives over those of the trees. Life continued, and they learnt to adapt to a new kind of lifestyle, one in which the breaknut tree would play no role. In time, they noticed that a number of other plants began to die from the lack of protection offered by the breaknut tree. But even then, not all was lost. The thorn trees, rarer in the past, began to thrive and take their place. The age of the breaknut was over, and a new one had begun for the creatures of the valley. It is to this new age that we all were born.”<br />
<br />
Everyone was sitting in silence, enthralled by the story. Susan almost got the impression that some of those present had never heard the tale in its entirety. That made sense if they had simply grown up with snippets of it told to them throughout their lives. It was a legend contained by a common memory rather than a fixed and full account. It seemed, however, that it had been passed down through the tortoise family, and they could recite the tale in full.<br />
<br />
“This is all very interesting,” said Susan, suddenly realising that the group had grown quiet, and thought perhaps she was expected to reply, “But what does it have to do with a daughter of Eve or son of Adam? How are we to bring back an extinct tree – there is no such tree that I know of in our world?”<br />
<br />
“It has everything to do with you,” answered Scaltard. “For though Creole and the rest of the creatures believed that every tree and seed had been destroyed, this was not the case. Before the last tree was bored, Bragold the Old, believing that the creatures were wrong about being able to live on without the plant, took a single seed and hid it somewhere in the valley. He told no one where it was, but committed the location to writing. When he died, the parchment on which it was written was passed to his son, who in turn passed it on to his. It has remained in the keeping of the long-eared hedgehogs ever since. Hedegar has it in his keeping today.”<br />
<br />
Susan looked at the first friend she had made in this place and began to understand why he had been so excited to find her. “But still don't understand,” she said, “I'm guessing Bragold was a hedgehog and not a Son of Adam. I still can't see where we come in.”<br />
<br />
“The location,” answered Hedegar, speaking for himself, “is written in a script that none of us can read or decipher. While the page was passed down through my family, the knowledge of how to read it was not. It was said that one day, a Son of Adam and/or a Daughter of Eve, would come to the valley. And that they would be the ones who could read the script, and restore the legacy of the breaknut trees”.</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-5505357437790474002012-03-18T07:59:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:37:18.968-08:00IX<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The next morning, Susan and Hedegar woke shortly after sunrise. Susan ate a little of what was left in her bag. She hoped that when they reached their destination, there'd be something other than insects on offer, as her store was becoming alarmingly low. The hedgehog was eager to set off without delay. When Susan looked back to see the trail they'd covered yesterday, she realised that the worst part of the journey was over. The mesa that Hedegar had called <i>The Eagle's Table</i> towered above them. Spread out before her was relatively flat terrain. To Susan's surprise, her companion did not lead her along what seemed to be the main path towards the river valley, but took a smaller path which appeared almost to be taking them farther away from the river.<br />
<br />
“Where are we going?” Susan ventured. Hedegar looked at her as if she should have known exactly what was going on. “We're on our way to Gelinda's house. She is our fastest messenger, and will summon the remnant on our behalf. She lives in a tree on the banks of the Klein Kloof stream.”<br />
<br />
While they walked, Susan wondered what kind of creature this Gelinda might be. It was not long before they reached a little stream which was a tributary of the larger river. Hedegar stopped, sniffed the air a little then called out, “Gelinda, Gelinda, come quickly. There's someone I want you to meet!”<br />
<br />
For a while there was no response. Then Susan heard a sweet voice reply, “Really Hedegar? I hope this one will stay. The last couple of new-comers you brought were scared off quite easily.”<br />
<br />
“This isn't just another young zealot with the enthusiasm to join us but the impatience to wait things out. This one is different. She's the one we've been waiting for!”<br />
<br />
“Really now?” the voice became more serious. “Are you sure? How do you know?<br />
<br />
“She admitted it herself, said she was a Daughter of Eve. Come see.”<br />
<br />
As the two creatures continued to speak in this cryptic manner, Susan looked around for the source of the voice. Although it was loud enough now that she should be able to see the creature, there was no one to be seen. She wondered if it was some kind of invisible dryad, or naiad. She hoped it wasn't some unsavoury creature that had magical abilities with which it could turn itself invisible.<br />
<br />
When the voice spoke again, Susan turned her gaze towards one of the numerous plants growing along the stream. She could see nothing but the stirring leaves, and...she suddenly spotted something quite extraordinary. Sitting on the plant was the most magnificent, and certainly the largest, butterfly she had ever seen. Its wings were decorated with an exceptionally beautiful and intricate pattern. It began with shades of indigo in the centre, which mingled with woven purples and blues. The edges of the wings were decorated with a soft pale pink.<br />
<br />
Hedegar noticed that Susan was staring at the butterfly. She had momentarily forgotten about the invisible person whom they had come to meet. “Susan,” he said, “Meet Gelinda, our official messenger.” Susan was about to object that she could not <i>see</i> this messenger when the truth suddenly dawned on her. <br />
<br />
At first she thought it absurd, but when Gelinda spoke again, she knew she was not mistaken. Gelinda was in fact a butterfly. <i>The</i> butterfly she had been admiring. It made sense now and she wondered that she'd never met a talking butterfly in Narnia. She wondered over the irony that a hedgehog and butterfly would be friends, but then remembered that in Narnia, talking animals, even the carnivorous ones, would treat other talking animals quite differently to their dumb counterparts.<br />
<br />
“Pleased to meet you, Gelinda,” said Susan politely. The butterfly fluttered off the branch she was sitting on, and began to flit around Susan. She guessed she was examining her.<br />
<br />
“A Daughter of Eve, she says,” said the butterfly, finally settling on a leaf in front of Hedegar's nose, “We'll find out soon enough if she speaks the truth”. There seemed to be an edge of warning in her voice. After that, her speech dropped to a whisper, as she asked something of Hedegar. The hedgehog replied in a voice almost as quiet, and Susan was cut off from the rest of the conversation. <br />
<br />
Finally, Hedegar snuffled up to Susan and said: “I've asked Gelinda to summon the others. We will meet them at the gathering spot by The Thorn Tree near the river. We can expect them this evening”.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Susan had not noticed, while Hedegar was speaking, that Gelinda had already flown off. But when she looked around, the butterfly was nowhere to be seen. “Come,” said Hedegar, let us set off at once. We should get there by midday."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
*-*-*-*</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
The gathering spot was a pleasant place, and Susan realised at once why it had been selected for the meeting. It was a sheltered spot, protected by the plants that began to grow as one neared the river. It was something of a contrast to the wild and dry environment she had become accustomed to in these parts. There was a natural circular area ringed by plants of various types, most of which Susan had never seen before. Some of the plants grew tall enough to provide a little shelter from the hot sun. The Thorn Tree grew on the river side of the clearing. It was neither very tall, nor incredibly leafy, but it added an element of solemnity to the area.<br />
<br />
A number of logs had been placed around the site – if this had been a meeting spot for humans, she would have supposed that these were to sit on. But considering that Hedegar seemed never to have seen a human nor humanoid creature before, she guessed that it was simply a kind of fence or border. In the centre of the ring, was a squarish rock. Susan guessed that it would serve as some kind of table. “Come Susan,” the creature said. We must get some supplies.<br />
<br />
They spent the rest of the afternoon trekking to a nearby cave and back again. The supplies included comfortable mats for creatures to sit, and thereafter sleep on, and food for the evening. To her relief, there was some fruit and vegetables among the provisions stored in the cave. They also gathered firewood and soon had a fair pile ready to light when evening came. Susan realised that she might even be able to roast some of the food, rather than eat it all raw.<br />
<br />
The most mysterious thing which Susan carried from the cave was a rough chest locked with a key. It was very small and relatively light. Hedegar refrained from telling her what was inside it, but simply made a cryptic reference to it being “both the answer to their questions and the solution to their problems.”<br />
<br />
By the time the sun had set well below the Eagle's Table, the gathering spot had filled with creatures. Among them were a hare, a fox, and a strange black and white creature which looked like something of a cross between a badger and a weasel. Susan learned later that this creature was a honey badger (and a sweet creature she was indeed) who went by the name Ratel. There were also two reptiles; an old but friendly tortoise, and by far the largest lizard she had ever seen. Of insects, there were four; Gelinda the butterfly, and three honey bees, who were all brothers and very good friends with Ratel.<br />
<br />
Of them all, the strangest creature there was a weaver bird. Although she had never seen this particular species of bird before, it was not that which made him strange. He was the last to arrive, and was received a little coolly by the rest of the group. Hedegar whispered to her, that he was a bit of a loner, and would vanish for months at a time. Although he seemed to be committed to the group, he was a little unpredictable. He appeared to have a good head about him, and had given excellent advice on occasion, but he would speak very little of his wanderings. <br />
<br />
The strangest thing to Susan, however, had nothing to do with what Hedegar said. There was something about this bird. She couldn't put her finger on it, but the moment he made his way into the circle, she felt it; a kind of tingling sensation – joy mixed with fear; happiness mixed with sorrow. And familiarity. There was a strong sense of familiarity about him, but she couldn't work the source of it. <br />
<br />
It had been a long two days, and Susan was exhausted. She decided that her mind was starting to imagine things, and brushed off the strange feeling. She couldn't remove it entirely, and it was still there, hiding in the corner of her mind, but she was able to ignore it for the time being.<br />
<br />
She turned her attention to Hedegar who was inviting everyone to take their seats. The meeting was about to begin.</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*-*-*-*</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hedegar, whether by convention or because he had called it, seemed to be chairing the meeting. He introduced everyone, leaving Susan till last.</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
“And this strange creature,” he concluded, “is the reason I have called you all together today. Her name is Susan, and she is a daughter of Eve. I found her wandering atop the Eagle's Table, and unable to find her way down. She's the one we have been waiting for all these years.” At this, the animals in the circle became motionless and began to stare at Susan with awe, and perhaps a little suspicion in their eyes. </div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
Finally Loopel the hare spoke up. “But how do we <i>know</i> she's the one?” he said, looking at her sceptically, “She could be making it up. I can't imagine how such a strange looking creature could be of any help to us. Why, she doesn't have any fur – and she covers herself with that strange...stuff. If you ask me, we need proof of her validity before we go around trusting her.”</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“It was she herself that told me she was a daughter of Eve,” answered Hedegar, a little irritated. “How would she have known that that was the very thing we were looking for?”<br />
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“Lucky guess,” scoffed Loopel, a little under his breath.<br />
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“I agree with Loopel,” hissed the lizard, who went by the name Akadis, “How do we know she's not an impostor? Maybe she knows we've been waiting for a Son of Adam or Daughter of Eve, and has come here to trick us into trusting her. And what was she doing on top of the Eagle's Table anyway? How did she get there, if she couldn't find her way down?”</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
“If I may speak,” spoke up Vixel the fox, a little shyly, “There's something I've been wondering. I for one am inclined to trust the creature. I can't imagine her pretending to be a species she is not. But did not the prophesy suggest that a Son of Adam and Daughter of Eve would arrive together to save us? Why is she alone?”</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
There was silence for a while, when the Honey Badger suddenly spoke up, “That is a question which has always been in doubt. There is no one alive any more who remembers the original prophesy. It was translated from the old tongue and it has never been clear whether it spoke of a Son of Adam and a Daughter of Eve, or a Son of Adam <i>or</i> Daughter of Eve. All we know is that those were the names we were to look out for. And now we have found one.”</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
“I still don't trust her,” said Loopel, “she needs to prove to us that she is who she says she is. I won't accept her unless I have solid proof she is who she claims to be!”</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
Throughout this conversation, Susan had become more and more uncomfortable. It didn't feel good to have your integrity questioned in front of a group of animals, but she knew that she too was wary of them and their intentions. She had also noticed that the weaver had been looking at her the whole time. He was staring at her now, with a look in his eyes, almost a sympathetic look, yet he seemed also to be challenging, encouraging her to speak up. She knew she would have to.</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
She stood up from the small boulder she had taken as a chair when the meeting began, and addressed the group, “Look here,” she said, “You creatures and us humans are not that different. We also want proof of what people say, evidence that they are genuine. But it is very seldom the case that we get that proof – at least not to start with. I would also like proof that everything <i>you</i> say is true; that there really is some prophesy about a Son of Adam or Daughter of Eve. And that if and when you tell me what this prophesy is, that you will be telling me the truth about it.</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
“But sometimes...sometimes trust takes time to build, and it is only at the end, when we look back on what has happened that we can see whether others are being honest with us, and have done what they have done with genuine motives. Until then, it is up to us. Will we choose to believe them, or will we cower in fear and turn away from an opportunity just because someone might have been trying to fool us?</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
“I lived in a place once, where to turn away from an adventure because of fear of the unknown was considered 'cowardice'. That's not to say I have never been lied to, and never been fooled. But if you can't tell it at the beginning, you can usually tell pretty soon into the adventure (here she was speaking of various friendships, both on earth and in Narnia rather than actual adventures), whether someone is lying to you. When their words cease to match their actions, then you know something is wrong. </div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
“But even that, you will never know unless you first take the risk of trusting them. You might then find yourself in a dangerous position, and it may be difficult to escape from the trap with which they have ensnared you, but who ever said adventures were safe things? You should almost expect to fall into a trap every so often – escaping from them is what makes you the victor in an adventure.”<br />
<br />
Susan suddenly stopped. When had she ever spoken so eloquently of risk or adventure? She was the cautious Pevensie, the one who preferred to stay at home unless all risks had been analysed before hand, and weighed up. The speech she had given was more like something Peter would say. In fact, she realised now that parts of it had been the very words of Peter, as he encouraged her to join the others on the hunt for the white stag: the last adventure she and her siblings had taken as Kings and Queens of Narnia.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the first time she had thought seriously of her siblings since arriving. While she <i>had</i> warned herself not to fall into a trap as Edmund had done his first time in Narnia, she had not taken time to really think about them, and the fact that they were gone, and she would never see them again. And then she went on to remember the others she had lost: her parents, the Professor and Aunt Polly, Eustace and Jill. She was overwhelmed with sudden grief and sat down quickly. The animals just stared at her.</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-53981189107116091972012-03-18T07:58:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:37:04.017-08:00VIII<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At first, everything was a blur. Then slowly, the swirls began to solidify into recognisable shapes, and the shapes became a landscape. Susan found herself in a place unlike any she had ever seen before. She was standing atop a flat mesa in the midst of a huge semi-arid tableland. For miles around, all she could see were deeply eroded gorges and countless more flat-topped mountains. She imagined that the Grand Canyon, which she had heard about during her stay in America, looked something like this.<br />
<br />
Much of the land was barren. There were yellow and red sandstone cliffs with much exposed rock and sand. Dotted throughout were hardy-looking bushes and shrubs and small patches of dry grass. Far below, flowed a meandering river. Along its banks, the bushes gave way to taller trees and the vegetation became a little thicker. <br />
<br />
Susan couldn't tell where she was. No part of Narnia, or the surrounding lands had looked anything like this. She wondered whether she was in some place further north of the Wildlands where the giants lived. She hoped, with a shudder, that there were no giants living here. If there were, they would be bigger, wilder and more dangerous than those Peter had defeated back in the Golden Age of Narnia.<br />
<br />
Despite its dry aspect and harsh appearance, this countryside gave Susan a sense of peace. It was almost like a reflection of her soul – and seemed to express how she had felt ever since the accident (and perhaps even before). Because of this, in a strange way, it comforted her. She wondered why she had arrived here, and whether there would be anything for her to do. Besides the occasional bird, there seemed to be no other life. She wondered whether she'd have make a long journey on her own before she would find any civilised life.<br />
<br />
She wished again that the guinea-pig had come with her, but remembered that she needed him to stay behind with the ring. She also wondered what would have happened if she had let David come; but that was all in the past. Now it was just Susan alone. This was her quest – the way it should be.<br />
<br />
Susan surveyed the plateau of the mesa she had arrived on and decided to explore a little. If she could find some way down, she could try and get to the river, which might eventually lead to some sort of settlement (if such existed in this place). If nothing else, it would be cooler down there and, and she might even find some food as well as water. She noticed that the hot sun was vertically above her, indicating that it was still around midday.<br />
<br />
She slowly started to make her way around the circuit of the plateau. It was not large, and she would be able to cover it within an hour. In most places, the cliffs were so sheer that there was absolutely no way down. In one place, there seemed to be a very narrow and steep path that would take her part of the way down. But after it rounded a bend, she could not see any further, and it was possibly a dead-end with another steep cliff below.<br />
<br />
As Queen in Narnia, Susan had done much travelling. But she had preferred to travel by horseback through flat country, and she had certainly never encountered such rough terrain. The only time she had travelled through mountains was in Archenland. But those mountains had had pleasant slopes which horses could navigate, and they had always taken well-defined paths. Later, as children returning to Narnia, Susan and her siblings had had to navigate through the tangled and overgrown forest on their way to find Aslan's How and assist Prince Caspian. But even that was a vastly different challenge compared to what faced her now.<br />
<br />
Besides, it was years since she had been the adventurous Queen Susan, and even the child Susan from the days of Prince Caspian. Now, as a woman who had been more concerned about her dress and make-up than anything adventurous, the thought of attempting that path alone was more than she could bear. And even if this path did lead all the way to the canyon floor, there was no way of knowing whether it was safe. The loose stones lying on its surface might slide away from under her feet at any moment.<br />
<br />
After completing the circuit of the plateau and finding nothing more promising than that steep path, Susan sat down to rest under the sparse shade of a thorny bush. It protected her a little from the harsh sun, but she was already exhausted from her brief walk. She tried to think of another way that she might be able get down, but she knew that it was hopeless. Remembering that she had had nothing to eat since that apple in the Wood, she took out a little food and sipped some of her water. She was very careful with the water, knowing that if she couldn't get down to the river, it might have to sustain her for sometime. </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
*-*-*-*</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
Just as she was preparing to get up and make another circuit, she detected a slight movement in the corner of her eye.<br />
<br />
“Well I've never seen any like you around here before,” said a squeaky voice behind her. As she turned to look, a hedgehog made its way from behind the bush. “Do you speak?” it asked.<br />
<br />
Susan stared at the creature for some time. Her heart quickened as it awakened the hope that she had made it into Narnia after all. But this hedgehog was unlike any she had seen in Narnia or even in England. It was smaller than the Narnian variety, though still larger than the non-speaking type. It's spikes were dark, almost black, and it's face dark brown with a more pointed nose. The most striking thing about it was its ears. They were dark like his fur, and much bigger and flatter than those of a normal hedgehog. Susan got the impression that this animal was well-suited to this dry environment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo133/Krimpvark/Hedgehog%20Pictures/Longear-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo133/Krimpvark/Hedgehog%20Pictures/Longear-1.jpg" height="152" width="200" /></a></div>
“Of course I speak,” said Susan with a laugh, “I'm human!” The hedgehog cocked its head sideways, perking its ears. “You're a <i>what</i>? I've never heard of those before. And what a funny covering you have,” he said, eyeing her clothes, “It doesn't look like fur, feathers or scales. You must be a unique creature, like us with out spikes.” He spoke with apparent pride. “But I can't even begin to imagine its use.”<br />
<br />
Susan didn't know how to respond. “Have you honestly never seen a human before? Not even heard of us? Where in the worlds is this place?” The hedgehog continued to watch her. “Well, I've not ever head of you by that name, do you not have another?” Susan was about to reply that her name was Susan, when she realised that that was not what he had meant. <br />
<br />
“That's the most common name,” answered Susan, trying to think. She avoided using the term <i>person</i>, as other species (such as the dwarfs) considered themselves <i>people</i> in Narnia. “We have men and women, boys and girls,” she tried, remembering that Mr Tumnus and the beavers had known the words <i>boy</i> and <i>girl</i>. “Some have called us 'Sons of Adam' and 'Daughters of Eve'.”<br />
<br />
The hedgehog stopped, and looked at her with great surprise and even awe. “You're a daughter of Eve! Why didn't you say so at first? The Great One be praised! That I should ever live to see a daughter of Eve.” The hedgehog made a flattening motion that might have been a bow.<br />
<br />
Now Susan was speechless. This was not the first time she had received such a reaction to that title, but this time she was on her own – and she was a little worried as to what might be required of her.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
*-*-*-*</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
An awkward silence ensued. Suddenly the hedgehog remembered himself and stood up. “But come,” he said, “I must take you at once to see the others. Susan wasn't sure whether to inquire further or simply follow the hedgehog's lead until she had a better idea of what was happening. She remembered that in Narnia not all creatures had been friendly or good. Her brother Edmund had trusted the first person he met in Narnia, and nearly paid for it with his life. Hedgehogs were always good creatures in Narnia, if a little absent minded, but this hedgehog was different. She reminded herself to be wary and alert.<br />
<br />
“Who exactly are these others,” Susan asked, as a cautious question. The hedgehog looked at her quizzically. “Why the Council, of course,” he answered. “The population here is sparse, and many creatures keep to themselves these days. But there's a group of us who live here under the shadow of The Eagle's Table. While most creatures have formed new lives for themselves, abandoning all memory of the days before the Desertion, we <i>do</i> remember, and we believe that the land will be restored and all creatures reunited under one ruler. In those days, The Great One will be seen among us again.”<br />
<br />
The hedgehog said these words with reverence and awe in his voice. Susan tried to read his face. If this <i>was</i> Narnia, why did he call him “The Great One” and not “Aslan” or “The Lion”. She knew that not all nations in Narnia's world acknowledged Aslan's rule. In the Southern Realm of Calormen, they had worshipped various gods, especially Tash. Who knows what kind of superstitions they might have in this stricken land where humans were unknown? She desperately wanted to ask whether or not she was in fact in Narnia's world, but something stopped her. If this was a land that belonged to one of Narnia's enemies, admitting knowledge of the country could be dangerous. She decided to hold back the question for a little longer.<br />
<br />
“Daughter of Eve?” interrupted the hedgehog, pulling Susan out of her reverie, “Are you okay? You look feint.” Susan gulped and nodded. She didn't want the hedgehog to know she distrusted him. “Oh, you poor dear,” he suddenly said, changing his attitude. “You look tired and hungry. Let's have something to eat and then make our way down."<br />
<br />
<i>Down</i>? Susan gulped. She was going to have to get off this mesa somehow, but was worried about what route the creature might take. And she was reluctant to accept food from an unknown person (especially after Ed's disastrous encounter all those years ago). She also wondered how he could produce anything edible on this dry mountaintop, short of using magic. Her uneasiness grew.<br />
<br />
Suddenly he snuffled off for a bit and returned with what was apparently meant to be food. To her relief, the hedgehog accepted her insistence that she eat something from her own bag. He was slightly dismayed that she turned down the juicy worms and grasshopper that he had caught in favour of some dry rock-like substance she carried in her bag, but he figured that she was a strange creature and that kind of thing was to be expected.<br />
<br />
While they were eating, Susan asked where they would be going and how they would get off the mesa. He assured her that there was a “relatively” safe path down. One simply had to know where to look for it. As they sat talking and eating, Susan began to relax ever so slightly. This hedgehog, whose name, as she had learned during the course of the conversation, was Hedegar, seemed friendly enough. But she reminded herself to stay alert for any tricks.<br />
<br />
After lunch Hedegar led her to a large boulder adjacent to a thorny bush. She had thought that there was simply a sheer cliff behind the boulder, but it turned out, if one knew where to look, one would find a path which began on the other side. It was something of a challenge for Susan to crawl under the bush where it brushed against the boulder (a task that had been easy enough for the little hedgehog).<br />
<br />
She emerged from the undergrowth, not without a few scratches, and immediately pulled up short. Was the hedgehog leading her to her death? But then she realised that what looked like a steep cliff, was really only a shallow ledge. <span style="color: #333333;">Hedegar</span> had to jump to get down it, Susan needed simply to swing her legs over, and her feet reached solid rock. After that, the land flattened, and she realised that despite it's narrowness, that path followed a gentle and winding slope down towards the river. <br />
<br />
The journey was long, but not as difficult as Susan had imagined. Some sections required extra caution, but the hedgehog was a good guide, and Susan began to realise that, while occasionally his small size gave <span style="color: #333333;">Hedegar</span> the advantage (like crawling under the thorn bush), it was for the most part easier for her. If he could do it, so could she.<br />
<br />
Darkness was already well settled into the valley, when the hedgehog finally allowed her to stop. If not from the exertion of the downward climb, she would have been freezing<span style="color: #333333;">. Her companion</span><span style="color: purple;"> </span>informed her that they would never reach their destination near the river unless they travelled all night. He suggested that they spend the night in a well sheltered and surprisingly comfortable cave. <br />
<br />
Susan would have preferred to have a fire, but though she had matches, firewood was scarce in that land, and she was too tired. She put on the long warm jacket which she had shoved into the backpack and rolled up her spare clothes for a pillow. This was by far the most uncomfortable bed she had ever had (since her early childhood days in Narnia), but she was tired enough to fall asleep. She did envy the hedgehog, however, who was more accustomed to sleeping on the ground.</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-59460375371640411012012-03-18T07:57:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:36:31.845-08:00VII<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
David's gloved hand closed over the yellow ring, and lifting it up, he examined it closely. It did seem to make a low humming noise. Carefully, he slipped it into his pocket and took one last lingering look in the direction the coach had taken. Walking further down the road to where there was a taxi rank where he could find a taxi to take him home, he pondered over what he should do. There was more than coincidence at work here. It was no mere accident that Susan had come into his life and he had bumped into her at the Jacobsen party. His head was full, and he wasn't sure what to do next. He would need to think about it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*-*-*-*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Susan was glad that she not only had a window seat, but that no one was sitting next to her. She watched the shrinking figure of David standing on the pavement. What a day she'd had! So much more had happened than she ever expected. What had started out as a simple quest to discover whether there was any validity to Peter's story about looking for the rings, had become a day of emotional turmoil. She felt like she had been in London for a week.<br />
<br />
What she did know now was that Peter wasn't making up the story about the rings, and neither was the Professor, when he had spoken of them to the Pevensies as children. It also meant that these small little rings were probably the reason that Peter and Edmund had been at the train station the day of the accident, and the reason why the Professor, Aunt Polly and Lucy had been travelling with Eustace and Jill on their way to school. In one sense, these little rings were to blame for at least some of her family's deaths, and yet she felt no anger towards them. Instead she was inexplicably drawn to them. She felt that they held answers – answers to questions she was only beginning to ask.<br />
<br />
There was still the possibility that they were no more than rings, and that touching or wearing them would have no effect. In that case, this whole trip would have been in vain, and Susan would be back where she started, looking for answers in some other place. But she was fairly certain they would work. Through everything that had happened in the last day, she was starting to see the walls she had carefully built up around her memories collapse, and through the rubble she was beginning to remember that other world called Narnia. <br />
<br />
Not the pretend world of children's games she had created, but a real, beautiful world with talking beasts and mythical creatures; a world where she and siblings had ruled. The memories were still fuzzy, and she caught only glimpses, but the glimpses filled her with a strange sense of joy and aliveness. It was these glimpses that helped her to believe that the rings did hold a power which would lead her to the answers she sought.<br />
<br />
Either that, or she was following the rest of her family down the path of insanity. But when she thought about David, and his calm belief of everything she told him, she found hope that this was not madness but something deeper, more sacred which she'd been chosen to be a part of. <br />
<br />
Thinking about David, brought warmth to her cheeks. Why was he being so kind? Did he simply feel sorry for her because of her loss and Margaret's insensitivity? Why was he so worried about her trying the rings, and what caused him believe in the rings at all? There was something mysterious about the man, and she felt both fortunate and afraid that he had paid so much attention to her.<br />
<br />
She wondered again whether she should have let him go with her, but reminded herself of all the reasons why she'd denied him. She felt the strangest sensation, however, that the rings might also hold answers about the past of this mysterious man. Thinking about the rings made her want to see them again. She carefully put her hand into her coat pocket to take out the small bag that contained the rings. She had decided to keep them on her, rather packing them away in her suitcase. <br />
<br />
As she pulled out the small bag, she immediately realised that something was wrong. The drawstring of the bag had somehow come open and the bag was now empty! Frantically, she patted her pocket, and was relieved to feel the small round objects still there under the fabric. It appeared that the drawstring had come open, and the rings fallen out into her pocket.<br />
<br />
Grateful that she was still wearing the gloves she had put on that chilly morning, she reached into the pocket and pulled out a green ring, then a yellow, and then another green. She put her hand in again and found that the pocket was empty. A cold dread washed over her. The second yellow ring was missing! It had somehow fallen out.<br />
<br />
Susan fearfully glanced over the floor of the coach around her. There were various items of rubbish on the floor, but no yellow ring. She tried to cast her mind back – to retrace her steps from the time she packed her things to the time she got onto the coach. She might have lost it anywhere along the way. Her greatest fear was that someone might find the ring and touch it. <br />
<br />
And that someone could be anyone; A beggar walking along the street, Margaret, or her parents, or the family help, Anna. She hoped it would be David, but the chances of that were slim. If it was a stranger, however, the minute that person picked up the ring, he or she would find themselves thrust into another world without a minute's warning. They would have no way of getting out of that place since Susan had both green rings. Susan half hoped that it had fallen out at Margaret's house and that the silly girl would pick it up. It would serve her right for the way she had treated Susan; there wouldn't be any smirk on her face then. But Susan realised that she didn't really want Margaret to find it. Besides, she didn't relish the thought of having rescue the girl.<br />
<br />
And that is what she would have to do. She'd have to travel to the Wood World herself and rescue which ever poor (or not so poor) soul had found it's way there. She was so worried, that she almost removed her glove to use the remaining yellow ring then and there. But she checked herself, and realised that she was acting too hastily.<br />
<br />
There was still a chance that she might find the ring somewhere in the coach. It could be on the floor under her seat which she couldn't see from her current position. Wherever it was, it might be some time before anyone found it. It would be rash for her to abandon all her plans now, if the ring hadn't been found. Susan had planned from the beginning to take a bag full of provisions with her on her trip. <br />
<br />
She remembered how she and her siblings had twice found themselves in Narnia, completely unprepared, and she wasn't going to be caught out a third time. (She was so concerned about the lost ring and what she should do about it, that she didn't stop to wonder over the fact that these memories had suddenly returned to her with absolute clarity.) The sensible Susan told her she should wait until she got home. Besides, if some stranger had found the ring, he could be just about anyone, and he might be dangerous. <br />
<br />
She now wished that she had agreed to let David go with her. But there was no longer any chance of that since she had only one yellow ring. Either way, it wouldn't do for Susan to suddenly vanish while sitting in the coach. She needed to try the ring when she was on her own.<br />
<br />
Susan took a few deep breaths and calmed herself. She decided to stick with her original plan, and return to Cambridge first. There was not a lot she could do about the lost ring. She didn't even consider returning to London to look for it; she wouldn't know where to begin, and she wasn't up to facing Margaret again – especially not over the rings. The trip was nearly over any way. She resigned herself to wait.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
*-*-*-*</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That evening, Susan found herself alone once again in the room with the Dragon Ship Painting. She mentally went through her check list one last time. Everything was ready. <br />
<br />
That afternoon, Uncle Harold had fetched her from the station. She had reported to him and Aunt Alberta about her trip to Scotland Yard and everything she had found there. Everything except for the rings, that was. Uncle Harold, much to Aunt Alberta's disapproval, had said he would make a plan to go and identify Eustace's diary if Susan was sure that it was his. She assured him that it was.<br />
<br />
After a less than enjoyable vegetarian dinner, Susan began to pack for her journey, she wanted to leave nothing to chance. While many of her things were still at the old house, she had also brought much with her for her indefinite stay with her aunt and uncle. She used the backpack in which she had brought her hand luggage to stow what she needed for the trip. Firstly, she placed in it a spare set of clothes, especially an extra warm jacket. She also packed Edmund's torch and Uncle Digory's pocket watch. She made sure she had a simple first aid kit – mainly plasters, a bandage and some aspirin. <br />
<br />
The hardest thing to pack was food. She didn't know how long the journey would last and didn't have much access to or space for a suitable supply of food. She eventually made her way down to the Scrubb's kitchen and asked the cook for some crackers and fruit, explaining that she planned to go on a picnic the next day. The cook was surprised that she should wish to go picnicing in such weather as was common at that time of year, but didn't question her further. She also allowed Susan to take a travelling water bottle with a strap one could wear over the shoulder.<br />
<br />
Susan also packed some simple toiletries – mainly soap, a tooth brush and tooth paste. She hesitated over her make-up box. It had been some time since she had gone without wearing make-up, but the bag was full, so she relented, and dropped in only a small stick of lipstick. Last of all, she went to the box which contained the clothes her family had been wearing on the day of the train crash. She retrieved from it Peter's pocket knife, which had been found in his trousers pocket. She put this in the bag along with a box of matches she had taken from the fireplace in the sitting room.<br />
<br />
Now that everything was ready, Susan prepared herself for what she was about to do. She sat down on the bed with the backpack slung over her right shoulder. She picked up the small bag in which the three rings were contained and tipped it over the bed until the yellow ring fell out. Then she closed the bag with it's drawstring and put it safely back into her pocket. The moment of truth had arrived. Her heart was pounding in her ears like the sound of gallopping horses.<br />
<br />
Hesitantly, she reached out her left hand towards the yellow ring lying on the bed next to her and slipped her finger into it. At once, the room vanished. The last thing Susan remembered seeing was the Dragon Ship Painting. In the minutes before the room vanished, she was sure she had seen the painting grow in size, and seen the waves really surging and the ship really ploughing through the sea. This was only for a moment, before everything vanished, and she was overwhelmed by the feeling of rushing up through water. A moment later, her head broke through the surface of the water and she found herself in a clear pool within a beautiful earthy green wood.<br />
<br />
She was not far from the shore of the pool, and climbed out. She should have been surprised that both her clothes and the backpack on her shoulder where completely dry, but in that place, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. The wood was unlike any she had seen before. There were very many different types of trees. Many looked very old, and though she could feel the warmth of the sun shining down, she could not see it through the leafy green canopy.<br />
<br />
And yet, as she she stood there taking it all then, she found she could not remember having been in any other wood but this one. In fact, she could hardly remember having been anywhere else. But what did that matter? She did not want to be anywhere else. This place was perfect. Susan walked over to the nearest tree and sat down on the soft grass. She looked back towards the pool from which she had come, and wondered over the fact that very near to its edge, there was a small patch of reddish-brown earth where no grass grew.<br />
<br />
Something in the back of her mind told her that that was so the children would not forget which pool led to their world, but she didn't know where that memory came from or what it meant. While, she was sitting there, she looked at the backpack which she had been carrying, but was now on the grass next to her. She wondered why it was there and of what use it was. She was about to open it and take a look inside when a flash of motion caught her eye.<br />
<br />
She looked in the direction of the movement, and saw a very small creature trotting towards her. Immediately she knew that it was a guinea-pig, and was filled with the strangest urge to laugh. As it came nearer, she started giggling aloud. Her voice echoed through the woods, but did not frighten the guinea-pig, which continued making its way towards her. <br />
<br />
When Susan finally recovered from her fit of laughter, which had felt really good, she took a closer look at the creature, and saw that tied around the animal's belly was a bright yellow ring. She felt that there was something important about that ring, and that it was not normal for a guinea-pig to be wearing one, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Then the face of a young man came back to her. A face with deep, intense eyes – looking at her and lips curled up in mirth. She recognised the face and knew that he too was laughing about the guinea-pig. The face had a name – if only she could remember it – Daniel, no um... David, that was his name. As she remembered the name, she noticed that she was also wearing a bright yellow ring – one that was identical to the one the guinea-pig wore. David had warned her not to use the ring... But why? And why had she told him about it? Confused memories began to return. Slowly they began to unravel themselves and become clearer.<br />
<br />
Eventually it all came back to her. She remembered who she was, and why she was here. And she realised where “here” was. It was the same Wood Between the Worlds that Professor Digory had told her about as a child. The wood was real; the ring had worked – she had made it.<br />
<br />
And not only did the memory of the last few days return, but other memories too. The walls were finally demolished and she could remember all those memories of her happy times in Narnia just as well as she could remember her life in our world. She was a little embarrassed when she compared her behaviour as Queen in Narnia to that of grown up Susan in our world. But none of that really mattered now. The rings had brought her here – and here could take her back to Narnia. For the first time in very many years, she really truly wanted to find Narnia again. Now if only she could tell which of all these various pools was the one that led to that wonderful world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*-*-*-*</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo133/Krimpvark/TLC%20Siggys/sets/Signotext-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo133/Krimpvark/TLC%20Siggys/sets/Signotext-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Susan looked around her. She stared in vain at the limitless number of pools. Each one was identical to the next – there was no way of knowing which pool led to Narnia. Susan had far too many pools to choose from and nothing to distinguish one from the other. Except, that was, for the curious patch of exposed earth on the bank of the one she'd come out of. <br />
<br />
She remembered now, from the stories she had heard, that Aunt Polly had made uncle Digory mark our world's pool before they set off on their adventure to that bleak dying world called Charn. But they had never had a chance, nor the need, to mark Narnia's pool. She realised, with a sense of irony, that even if Peter and Ed had succeeded in giving the rings to Jill and Eustace, they would not necessarily have been able to return to Narnia. Not, at least, without Aslan's guidance. <br />
<br />
Dear Aslan. The memory of his name brought with it a pang of guilt. Susan could not call on him to guide her now, after she had denied his existence for so many years. She felt like a foolish child, as she remembered his deep eyes and soft golden mane. She remembered how he had looked at her the last time she had let him down – on that second trip to Narnia when Lucy claimed to have seen him. She didn't think there would be any forgiveness this time around. Besides, she couldn't even ask him for forgiveness without first finding which pool led to Narnia. And chances were, he wouldn't let her return now, regardless of whether he had said she could come again or not.<br />
<br />
Despite the unusual atmosphere of the wood, which exuded a kind of joy that could not allow her to feel really sad, Susan felt a wet tear fall down her cheek. She thought of how her dear sister Lucy would never have been in such a predicament. She had always believed in Narnia, and in Aslan. It should have been Lucy who was here now, not Susan. As she thought back on her family, the tears began to flow freely. But unlike all previous times, the crying <i>did</i> make her feel better. It was hard to feel absolute grief or fear or anger in this place. Instead she felt a simple sense of loss and regret.<br />
<br />
She allowed herself to cry for some time. There was no one around, except for the little guinea-pig, who had stopped a few feet away from her, watching her with intent yet friendly eyes. When she felt that she had cried out as much as she could, she made her way back to the pool and washed her face. The water was very refreshing, and she felt much better than she had for a very long time. Then she returned to the tree and started to look for some fruit in her backpack. The guinea-pig continued to watch her. She looked at him and smiled, then broke off a piece of apple and fed it to him. He took it gratefully, and she patted the soft fur of his head.<br />
<br />
“So what do I do now,” said Susan aloud, half to herself, half to the guinea-pig. “The yellow ring worked, but now what? I couldn't have come all this way for no reason. Do I look for Narnia's pool or simply give up and go back home?” The guinea-pig cocked his head sideways, as if listening to her. <br />
<br />
“If only I knew <i>which</i> of these pools led to Narnia. I could at least try it,” she continued, “Maybe Aslan will let me back into Narnia to do whatever it was Jill and Eustace were meant to do, now that they are gone. Maybe if I complete this quest, I can prove myself to Aslan and he won't be so angry with me. If only I knew how to find it!”<br />
<br />
The guinea-pig, which had been lying contentedly on the grass, listening to her voice, suddenly got to his feet, and started walking away. After a few steps, however, he stopped, turned back and looked at her. Then he ran on a little further before stopping and looking again. With understanding, Susan realised that he wanted her to follow. She got up, and started after him. “Do you know where Narnia is?” she asked, laughing aloud and to herself. “I wouldn't be surprised by anything in a place like this!” <br />
<br />
As she began to walk, she felt a strange sensation, as though she was being drawn to a specific spot in the wood. The guinea-pig was leading her in the direction from which the sensation came. The more she followed him, the stronger the sensation felt. It was something like a very low hum, though felt rather than heard, but it seemed to grow “louder” as she neared it. The guinea-pig had come to stop in a round hollow. The hollow wasn't very big nor very deep and occupied an area almost the same size and shape as one of the pools. As Susan approached it, her heart began to beat faster and the vibration became so intense that her ears started ringing.<br />
<br />
The guinea-pig had stopped. He stood next to a medium-sized apple tree growing right in the middle of the hollow. He turned back and looked at her significantly. Susan realised that the vibration was emanating from the tree itself. She was also convinced that the pool which led to Narnia could not be far away. She took another step towards the apple tree, but found she could go no further. Something barred her way, preventing her from entering the hollow. <br />
<br />
“It's no good,” she told the guinea-pig, “I can't go any further.” The guinea-pig moved its head in a manner that seemed almost to be a nod, then scurried back towards her. She bent down to pat his furry head. “Thank you, my friend,” she said, “I can feel the presence of Narnia here – the pool must be very close by.” Susan looked around her and noticed that there was only one pool close to the hollow. There were others nearby, but they were a little further away, and cut off by trees. As she approached the pool, she could still feel the vibration, though it had grown just a little weaker.<br />
<br />
The guinea-pig looked up at her, with a questioning look on his face. “I don' know,” answered Susan. “This <i>must</i> be it. That apple tree looks ever so much like a Narnian apple tree, and this is the nearest pool.” As she said it however, she felt a slight tinge of doubt. Perhaps it was doubt over whether she would be allowed back or not.<br />
<br />
“Well,” she said, turning back to the guinea-pig, “I guess I'm about to find out. Would you like to come with?” The guinea-pig moved his head again. This time he was definitely shaking it. “You've got a yellow ring” she encouraged him, realising that she really would like some company, “I can give you my spare green so you can return whenever you like.” Again the guinea-pig was shaking his head. He walked up to the pool and dipped in one of his paws. He took in out again, and ran up to her, showing her it was wet. <br />
<br />
Susan bent down to pat him again. “Oh, of course,” she laughed, “How could I have forgotten? The green rings take you out of the Wood into another world, the yellows bring you back to the Wood. I remember Uncle Digory telling us how it had taken them some time work it out.” Along with this recollection came another memory. “Oh, yes. I had forgotten that the rings work like magnets.”<br />
<br />
She wasn't sure whether it was a good or bad thing that she had forgotten this important property of the rings. She might have been further tempted to contact David and invite him to come along after discovering that the second yellow was missing.<br />
<br />
Susan hadn't thought about the missing yellow since arriving in the Woods. For the first time, it occurred to her that either it had not been found, or it had somehow not been used. She was relieved, but realised that the danger of someone else finding it was still very real. A stranger – or worse, a friend named Margaret – could emerge from our world's pool at any second.<br />
<br />
Susan knew now what she should do. “Dear guinea-pig,” she said, sitting down next to him near the edge of the new pool. “Since you would rather stay here, I have a special favour to ask of you.” The guinea-pig looked at her with an expression that indicated he was listening and would do what she wished. She found a small scrap of paper and a pen in her backpack. She scribbled a quick note explaining how the rings worked. Then she took the bag containing the green rings out of her pocket. She removed one green ring, slipping it back into her pocket. Then she put the folded note into the bag and hung the bag around the guinea-pig's neck by its draw-string.<br />
<br />
“Okay. If I succeed, and this pool allows me into Narnia, I want you to keep this bag safe. I lost a yellow ring back when I was in our world – the one we originally came from (though you probably don't remember it). I'm afraid that someone will touch it and find themselves in this Wood without knowing what has happened. If someone should emerge from our pool – the one you saw me come out of – please will you take this bag to them? Make sure they read the letter and use the ring to go back to our world. Can you do that for me?<br />
<br />
The guinea-pig made his nodding movement. “Oh thank you, dear guinea-pig,” she said, a weight lifted off her shoulders. She gave him an awkward hug – which was more like a squish on such a small creature, and patted his head one last time. Then he turned and started his way back to our pool. “Such a sweet little guinea-pig,” thought Susan to herself. She realised she was going to miss him, but was glad she had solved the problem of the missing ring.<br />
<br />
“Farewell,” she shouted after the small creature. Then she turned back to face the pool that might be Narnia. She took a deep breath and switched from the yellow to the green ring. “Well, Aslan,” she said, “If there is any way you will let me return to Narnia, let it be now.” She took a step into the pool. She felt herself sinking down into a void and saw the whirling of indistinct shapes. She was on her way...</div>
</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-40005166000094790752012-03-18T07:56:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:36:03.309-08:00VI<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
David arrived at Margaret's house the next morning, just as he had promised. He came just as Susan had finished breakfast and was packing the last of her things. Much to Susan's relief, Margaret was still sleeping. She took her leave of Margaret's parents, thanking them kindly for allowing her to stay. She didn't bother to leave a message for her friend, she was too angry and upset with her. As David helped carry her luggage, she followed him out the door into a chilly London morning. An icy breeze was blowing, but at least the sky was clear and the sun shining. <br />
<br />
“So how are you feeling this morning, Susan?” asked David by way of small talk. “Better, thanks,” answered Susan. “Thank you for helping me last night.” David politely mentioned that is was no problem. “So, will you still go ahead with your plan once you've returned to Cambridge?” he asked causally. <br />
<br />
“You mean to test the rings?” asked Susan. David, nodded with a sparkle of conspiracy in his eyes. She had wondered whether, in the clear light of day, David would continue to believe everything she had told him last night. She had wondered whether part of last night's conversation had been merely a dream. Apparently not. “Yes,” said Susan adamantly, “It's something I have to do. I shall test the rings as soon as I have spoken to my Uncle about Eustace's diary.”<br />
<br />
David was silent for a few moments, then asked, with concern in his voice, “Are you sure you aren't rushing into things? Maybe you should wait until your emotions have calmed down. I was thinking about it when I got home last night, and it's been years since the Professor used those rings. You don't really know what you're dealing with. They might no longer work properly, or this 'wood' world might have changed and become dangerous. And if you <i>do</i> succeed in getting back into Narnia, what then? That lion might not be happy that you had returned against his will.” Susan was surprised at David's sudden opposition to her plan. He had seemed so supportive last night.<br />
<br />
“It's not that I don't think you should go,” he clarified, “I'm just worried about what would happen if... if you go alone.” Susan looked at David, and wondered whether that subtle redness in his cheeks was because of the cold wind, or embarrassment. David hadn't meant to imply that he go with her; he just didn't like the thought of her alone in such unknown places. But now that it came to it, it might not be such a bad idea. He was a little hesitant to offer that <i>he</i> go with, though. It might seem too forward on his part. But he really was worried that something could go wrong.<br />
<br />
“Why do do you think that you found two pairs of rings?” he prompted, “Perhaps it is a sign that you shouldn't go alone.” Susan stopped walking and looked at him. She was struggling to believe what she was hearing, and her heart raced a little faster. Was David really suggesting he go with her? It seemed like it, and the thought of it sent a thrill through her. She hadn't stopped to think about the fact that there were two pairs of rings. While she knew that her brothers had retrieved both pairs so that Eustace and Jill could travel to Narnia, it wasn't such a bad idea that she take someone else along.<br />
<br />
But she hardly knew David. She had seen him often enough when hanging out with her friends, but she hadn't spoken to him one-on-one more than a couple of times before last night. On the other hand, he believed in her – believed in Narnia, perhaps even more than she did herself. What he said made perfect sense and it would be nice to have someone with her if something went wrong. She was very tempted to invite him. <br />
<br />
But no – that would be a bad idea. At the moment David was civil with her. What would happen if he got to see what she was really like under stressful situations? She didn't want to ruin the image he had of her. Also, she had no idea what to expect when she tried the rings, let alone what it would be like going back to Narnia (should she ever get there). <br />
<br />
Her emotions were still very fragile. And she had yet to figure out just what was going on in her life – what she believed; which parts of her life had been real and which pretend; whether there was a God; and whether the mess she was currently in was his cruel idea of a joke. She <i>needed</i> to go on this trip alone. Having David around would distract her. <br />
<br />
Besides – he had his own life and responsibilities. He wasn't at leisure to go gadding about with a simple girl like her who couldn't even remember her own past clearly. “No,” said Susan, perhaps a little too harshly. <br />
<br />
She took one look at David's expression and softened. She was greatly tempted to change her mind, but knew she mustn't. “I <i>need</i> to do this on my own – there's too much at stake,” she said a little more gently. David looked crestfallen, but she had to convince him. “Besides,” she added, “Who will take care of your sister if something happens to you?” <br />
<br />
This silenced him. His sister was unwell and could not look after herself. Since his mother had died, his father had taken on an extra job, leaving David to care for the invalid. Susan was right, he couldn't leave his dear sister to go gallivanting around in unknown worlds. He was still worried about Susan, but he relented. “Please take someone else,” he begged.<br />
<br />
Susan's emotions were starting to get frayed by the strain of the situation. Saying no to David wasn't easy and she wasn't used to having to make such difficult decisions. David's unabashed interest in her plans wasn't making her feel any more comfortable. “And who exactly should I take?” Susan spat, “Margaret? Not everyone is as willing to accept my crazy stories as you are!” David didn't reply.<br />
<br />
“Besides,” continued Susan, “So what if something happens to me – if I go to these other worlds and never come back? It's not like there's anyone left that's going to miss me! I won't be any worse off than the rest of my family!” Susan's anger and sorrow, which she had almost forgotten since last night were returning, and so was the urge to cry.<br />
<br />
David took in this outburst soberly. “I can think of at least one person who would miss you,” he said, quietly yet firmly. Susan tried to calm herself. She wasn't being very fair to David after he'd been so kind to her. She didn't want to part with him on bad terms. “I'm sorry,” she apologised. “I appreciate your concern, but I don't have many options.”<br />
<br />
Just then, the bus arrived. David accepted her apology with a smile. “I know this is hard on you, Susan, that's why I'm worried. I just ask you to think carefully. Don't use the rings until you are absolutely sure you won't regret it.”<br />
<br />
“I won't,” said Susan, purposely omitting to specify whether she meant using the rings or regretting her decision. David picked up her luggage and handed it to Susan. He looked at her awkwardly for a second, then gave her a very quick hug. Susan's hands were too full to return it, so she simply said, “Good bye, David. Thank you for all your help.”<br />
<br />
“It was my pleasure,” answered David with a bitter-sweet smile. “Good bye Susan. I hope you have a safe trip.” He held her gaze for a little longer than usual. They both knew he wasn't talking about the bus ride and were aware that they might never see each other again. Susan turned away quickly and made for the bus.<br />
<br />
David stood watching her. He knew the girl was still too fragile to be going off like that. But he had done all he could, and now had his own responsibilities to worry about. He stayed there watching the coach until it pulled out of sight, then he turned to make his way home. But as he turned, a glint caught his eye.<br />
<br />
At first he suspected a coin or a piece of glass lying on the pavement, but the colour was wrong – it was something golden. He took a step closer, and and realised immediately what it was – one of Susan's shining yellow rings. He looked back along the road, but the coach was long out of sight. Perhaps this wouldn't be the last time he saw Susan.<br />
<br />
He'd have to think about it but it seemed that fate – or something else – had given him a chance to follow Susan to this other world. But dare he risk going there against her wishes? He looked around to see whether any of the other rings had fallen out of Susan's pocket, but could see nothing. He bent down to pick up the yellow one.</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-81529909811895556892012-03-18T07:55:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:35:49.391-08:00V<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-efeGlO-ofxzhPNGsmsFDEGSQt7jAhHuQ37BAXJs8efIq4DJtWx9oQKiwNTYf4YsIjrb-n6DH3GAQn40iiOg0FPCEl0RCtuEmDm_dtlwhtz4XzrFGN3uKSkOdg71_d-Pl4s8rMm5PnYkP/s1600/SD+MH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-efeGlO-ofxzhPNGsmsFDEGSQt7jAhHuQ37BAXJs8efIq4DJtWx9oQKiwNTYf4YsIjrb-n6DH3GAQn40iiOg0FPCEl0RCtuEmDm_dtlwhtz4XzrFGN3uKSkOdg71_d-Pl4s8rMm5PnYkP/s320/SD+MH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When they arrived at Margaret's house, David led her inside and made her sit on a comfortable sofa in the sitting room. He announced their arrival to Margaret's father who was still working in his study and then went to the kitchen and asked the servant, Anna, to make a pot of sweet tea. Then he returned to the sitting room and sat down next to Susan, handing her an aspirin, a glass of water and his handkerchief. She took them from him without comment. </div>
<br />
After a short while, David said to her softly. “If you want, I can leave now. I will ask Anna to make sure you get to bed comfortably.” He hesitated, “But something tells me that there's more going on than you simply feeling unwell. If you want to talk to someone, I'm willing to listen.”<br />
<br />
The aspirin was starting to kick in and the warmth of the fire in the hearth was making her feel better. Just then, Anna came in with the tea. Susan didn't want David to leave just yet, so she suggested he stay for tea. They sipped their tea quietly. Susan knew she wouldn't get any sleep that night, so she decided maybe she should talk to David for a while. <br />
<br />
When she was calm enough to trust her voice, she enquired after his family. He answered her politely and asked what had brought her to London. Without telling the whole story, she explained about visiting Scotland Yard and recounted her experiences there. When she got to the part about finding the rings, she choked up, and couldn't say any more. She started crying again.<br />
<br />
At first David was silent, he realised that anything she found which reminded her of her family would cause her to be upset. He placed a kind hand gently on her shoulder and looked at her. “I understand,” he said, “I still feel like that when I find some forgotten item of my mother's.” His mother had died of cancer when he was a few years younger than she was now.<br />
<br />
“It's not just that,” said Susan unexpectedly. She hadn't planned on telling him, but she suddenly wanted David to know the full story, “It's Margaret.” She told him what Margaret had said at the party. David nodded, then cautiously added, not wanting to insult Susan's friend however nasty she might be, “Margaret has never been very discreet and she doesn't know how to deal with other people's tragedies. She's become worse since hanging out with that new group of friends; I'm afraid they're having a bad influence on her. But that <i>doesn't</i> excuse her behaviour towards you. I'm going to talk to her the next chance I get. For her to make up tales about you for the sake of a laugh is low even for her.”<br />
<br />
“But there's more too it,” added Susan. For some inexplicable reason she felt a desire to defend her friend, “Margaret was telling the truth. I did tell her that I thought the rings came from another world. I think they did.” David was taken aback, but didn't say anything. <br />
<br />
For the second time that day, Susan found herself telling someone all about Narnia and the confusion she'd been in since the day of the accident. She knew she was taking a great risk. She didn't even know David that well, and couldn't guess how he'd respond. But for some reason she felt that she <i>had</i> to tell him; that if she didn't she would regret it more than if he disbelieved her and cast her off as mad.<br />
<br />
David listened to every word. When she was finished he asked, almost with a sense of awe, “May I see the rings? I promise I won't touch them.” Susan got up and went to fetch the bag. After this afternoon's episode she had taken the green ring back from Margaret and hidden the bag in the bottom of her suitcase. When she opened the bag, David stared at the rings. It seemed in the lamp light that they were giving off their own glow. <br />
<br />
“I believe you,” he finally said. Susan looked at his face and knew he was telling the truth. “I also believe that this Narnia place you speak about is real and that you were so adamant to forget about it while growing up that you convinced yourself that it was just a game.” He was speaking seriously and earnestly. Susan knew he wasn't teasing her.<br />
<br />
“It's strange,” she said as way of reply. “Sometimes I think you're right. I can almost remember Narnia as though it <i>was</i> a real place where I grew up with my siblings and we ruled as kings and queens. But at other times I remember it the way I did until recently – as simply a game which we made up using our own props and imagination. It's as though I have two warring memories in my head and I don't know which is the real one.” David smiled in understanding. “So what do you plan to do?” he asked.<br />
<br />
Susan wasn't sure. She had been so preoccupied with finding the rings that she hadn't really thought about what she would do if she found them. “I suppose the next step is to find out if they work,” she finally said. And as she said it she realised that that had been her plan all along. The thought gave her a sense of mingled dread and anticipation. “We know the green ones have no effect on earth, but I'm now sure that I was wrong and that they are the ones that bring us away from the other world. 'Green for safety' is what the Professor always used to say. The yellow ones draw us into that other world.”<br />
<br />
“Okay,” said David. Susan still couldn't believe he was listening to her, “When do you plan on testing the rings?” Susan thought about it. “I'll travel back to Cambridge tomorrow. I won't leave until I've reported back to the Scrubbs. I need to tell them that I found Eustace's diary. After that, I'll pack a bag with things I might need in the other world – then I guess I'll pick up a yellow ring and see what happens.”<br />
<br />
“Hang on,” said David, as though the thought had suddenly occurred to him. “Are you sure this is such a good idea. What is this 'other world' like? It's been years since you were last in Narnia. How do you know whether it's safe and the people there will accept you?”<br />
<br />
“Oh, the rings don't take you to Narnia,” said Susan, although she had only just remembered this fact herself. David looked at her quizzically, and she smiled. Simply talking to David was making her feel better, and the fact that he believed her made her feel more special than she had in a long time. “No,” she continued, “the rings take you to an in-between world. It was from the in-between world that Uncle Digory and Aunt Polly got into Narnia. It was different with us, we went there directly.”<br />
<br />
David's eyes grew a little wider, and there was a strange expression on his face she couldn't quite place. She was afraid she'd gone too far and he would stop believing her. But the expression passed and he smiled again. “You mean there's a world that's not really a world, but like a station, which links up to all kinds of different worlds, and wearing these rings will get one there?” Susan nodded, surprised at his understanding. He frowned “So what about this 'in-between world', is <i>it</i> safe? What creatures live there?”<br />
<br />
“Oh, don't worry about that,” said Susan, “that world is perfectly safe. It's like a big giant wood. “The only living things there are trees. Just trees and...” Susan broke off and started laughing. David stared at her, “What? What's so funny?” Susan took some time recover herself. “Guinea-pigs,” she finally said with another batch of giggles, “There were guinea-pigs there. Apparently the Professor's uncle had been testing the rings on guinea-pigs before he and Aunt Polly stumbled on his office and he used <i>them</i> as his guinea-pigs.” Susan started laughing again and this time David joined in. Margaret's father ducked his head through the study door to check what was going on. All seemed in order so he let the two young people be.<br />
<br />
David was the first to recover himself, “So, once you've arrived in this wood, then what happens?” he asked. Susan frowned, “I guess I find my way to Narnia,” she said. Her frown deepened. “Now what's wrong,” asked David. “It's just...well that's if I can get into Narnia,” she said. Now David was frowning. “You see, the last time I was there <i>he</i> said I wouldn't be allowed back.”<br />
<br />
“Who's <i>he</i>?” asked David, “Some prince in shining armour whose love you scorned?” Susan laughed again. Though her face was still very red, David was glad to see that Susan had temporarily forgotten her earlier sorrow. “Don't be silly,” she retorted, “Although there was that <i>one</i> prince. He lived in the South and nearly launched a full-scale attack on Narnia because of me,” she suppressed a further giggle. <br />
<br />
“But he was long gone when we returned the second time. It was Aslan – the great lion and ruler of the world who said that Peter and I were getting too old to return. I think it was shortly after that that I started to convince myself it was all a game. Not that it was directly because of the ban. I was growing up and no longer had place for such childish interests. After my experiences in America I didn't care for Narnia any more. By the time I returned I was convinced that it was just a game.” The mention of Aslan had sent a warm feeling through Susan. She felt stronger and happier and more at peace.<br />
<br />
“So are you going to try and get back to Narnia anyway?” asked David, not even stopping to question her about the fact that Narnia was ruled by a lion. “Well I'm certainly going to try the rings,” she replied, “He didn't say anything about not going that world, and something tells me I <i>have</i> to go there. I don't think I would have found the rings if I wasn't meant to use them. Whether or not I get to Narnia after that I shall have to wait and see.” Susan stopped. She wondered when she had started talking about Narnia as though it was a real place. She still felt the two conflicting memories battling in her mind, but it somehow felt natural talking about Narnia as a real rather than imagined place.<br />
<br />
“It's getting late,” said David, taking out his pocket-watch. Susan smiled that he still had a pocket watch when most people had long discarded them for the far more popular wrist variety. “You had better get some sleep,” he added, “if you plan to return to Cambridge tomorrow.” Susan agreed, she was feeling tired now, and felt that she just might be able to get some sleep. “I'll come back in the morning and check on you before you leave,” said David then. <br />
<br />
“Say, would you like me to walk you to the station? Margaret is going to get home late tonight and I doubt she'll feel like taking you.” Susan politely thanked him for his kindness, adding that it wasn't necessary, though inwardly she smiled. She said that she was sure Margaret's father wouldn't mind taking her, but David insisted and so she gave in. “Good night,” he said, touching her shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze, “I hope you feel better in the morning.”<br />
<br />
“I feel better already,” said Susan. She watched him walk out the door and then made her way to the spare bedroom.</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182456675068527742.post-59406967646827761632012-03-18T07:54:00.000-07:002016-02-20T02:35:35.329-08:00IV<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Susan was glad to see Margaret waiting for her at the bus station. Margaret lived in a small house in a compact neighbourhood a fifteen minute drive from Victoria Embankment. As she stepped out of the bus, Margaret ran up to her and grabbed her small suitcase. “Oh Susan, dear,” she said. “I am so glad to see you. You won't believe it! I received an invitation to a dinner banquet at the Jacobsen's house this evening. You will come too, of course. I simply can't wait! Come, we don't have much time to get ready.”<br />
<br />
In reality, they still had much of the afternoon. Susan was speechless. She hadn't seen Margaret since before the accident. Margaret hadn't made it to the funeral – she had had some prior engagement – and this was <i>not</i> the response Susan had expected on first seeing her closest friend. Margaret stopped walking and turned to look at her friend. “Susan, darling, what is the matter? You look awful. Did you put on any make-up this morning? And your hands, they are filthy. But come along, we will talk at my house.” Susan had in fact put make-up on when she had woken early this morning. She wasn't surprised that it had rubbed off, though. It had been a long day. Silently she followed Margaret on the short walk to her house.<br />
<br />
Once they were settled down in Margaret's room (Margaret had asked her family's servant to bring tea up to them), Margaret turned her attention back to Susan. For the first time, she noticed how tired and worn-out Susan looked. “Are you okay, Susan?” she asked, with something verging on genuine concern. “You never told me what has brought you to London.” Susan explained. <br />
<br />
“You poor thing,” said Margaret, “Going there all on your own. You should have asked me to come with. So, what's Scotland Yard like?” She added the last as an afterthought, “I hear they have some of the most handsome young officers working there.” Susan replied that she'd been rather distracted and hadn't really noticed. “Aw, poor thing, the death of your parents must be taking a heavy toll on you,” responded Margaret, softening slightly, “I'm sorry I couldn't make the funeral – you did get my telegram, didn't you?” Susan replied with an affirmative. Tears were welling up in her eyes again, and she couldn't decide whether to hold them back or not. Margaret's reception hadn't been at all what she expected. But thinking on it, she realised that this is who Margaret was – she always took life a little too lightly. <br />
<br />
Susan decided that it wouldn't hurt to allow a stray few tears though – she wiped them away quickly. Margaret noticed the gesture. “There, there dear, everything's okay.” Margaret reached over to hug her. The hug felt good, but released a fresh batch of tears. Margaret pulled out of the hug and examined her friends face. “It should get better with time. When my Fifi died, I didn't think I would ever recover, but look at me now. I will never forget the dear, but life goes on.” Margaret stopped momentarily to muse over her beloved pooch. Susan didn't bother to point out that losing a pink poodle was <i>not </i>the same as losing one's entire family. She appreciated it as her friend's feeble attempt at empathy.<br />
<br />
“I know what will cheer you up,” said Margaret, passing on quickly from her reverie over Fifi, “Tonight's party!” Susan sighed, “I'm not sure I feel like going,” she confessed. “What?” asked Margaret incredulously. “Susan Pevensie not wanting to go to a party? What is this world coming to?” Susan almost wanted to smile at her melodramatic friend, “Besides, I didn't bring anything appropriate to wear,” she added. Margaret stopped her musing over the course that the world was taking, “Well, dear, that is something I <i>can</i> help you with. We are nearly the same size, and you will look divine in my blue gown with your hair tied up. Oh, and did I mention that David will be there?”<br />
<br />
Susan hadn't thought about David for a while. He <i>had</i> made it to her family's funeral and was one of the few people who had actually spoken to her with genuine sympathy and kindness. Maybe she should go to this party. She had always envied Margaret for her blue dress. But she still wasn't sure. Margaret frowned, “What is wrong, Susan?” Susan decided to be honest. “My mind has been in turmoil ever since the accident. I want to cry all the time, Aunt Alberta doesn't like it. I don't understand why this all had to happen to me. It's not fair, losing so many people in one day. I want to blame God, but I don't even know if he exists. And to make all things worse, I used to think that it was just my family that were crazy, now I think I might be too!” <br />
<br />
She went on to tell Margaret what had really brought her to London. She had never spoken to any of her friends about Narnia, but now she told Margaret everything she remembered. She told her how she was sure that they were just games, but her siblings insisted on pretending otherwise. Then she told her about the rings. She opened the bag of items she had brought back from the station, and taking out the bag that contained the rings, she showed Margaret its contents. Margaret's face had turned from concern to surprise as Susan spoke. Now her eyes widened in wonder.<br />
<br />
“What beautiful rings!” She exclaimed, “Wherever they came from, they must be very valuable. Ooh, shall we wear them to the banquet?” Susan sighed, “Have you been listening to a word I said?” she asked. Margaret sobered, “Of course I have, your Uncle thought they were magic rings. But obviously they aren't, so why can't we wear them?”<br />
<br />
Susan didn't bother reminding her that the Professor wasn't really her uncle. “You don't understand,” said Susan crossly, the fact that all the “Friends of Narnia” died in the accident, the pocket watch, the various references to Narnia in the items I found, <i>and</i> the fact that I actually found the rings! They all point to the possibility that my family was right. Look at the rings – have you seen anything like them before? Where could they have come from?” Margaret looked at them. And then with a flippant expression said, “I appreciate you're going through a rough time, but think about what you're saying Susan. You said that touching the green rings will send you to another world. There's one way to find out.” Before Susan could stop her, Margaret reached out and took one of the green rings out of the bag.<br />
<br />
Nothing happened. “See,” she said, with a smirk on her face, “No magic. Now I really think we should get ready for the party. It will take your mind off all this nonsense.” Susan decided it was better not to tell Margaret that she wasn't sure about which colour ring did what. Reluctantly, she agreed to get dressed for the banquet. Her plans to spend the night in a heart-to-heart with Margaret were slowly dissipating. The party would make for a good distraction. Besides, she would get to wear Margaret's blue gown.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
*-*-*-*</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Jacobsen's house was massive. Of a typical Elizabethan style, it had a beautiful winding staircase leading into a spacious dining room. Being here reminded Susan of the happy days spent at Professor Kirke's old house before he had lost it. Except that his house was better and more enchanting, being in the countryside as it was. Margaret hadn't been exaggerating when she called the party a “banquet”. Susan saw every type of food and drink conceivable laid out on richly adorned tables. She was awed to see how many young people were present – it was by far one of the most expansive parties she had ever been invited to. <br />
<br />
She was pleased that she was wearing Maragaret's blue gown rather than one of her own, although even that seemed rather simple compared to what some of the girls were wearing. Some of those dresses would have made her very uncomfortable and self-conscious, her father would never have approved. The young men were dressed in their smartest suits. Susan briefly caught sight of David wearing a dark green waist coat with a yellow flower in his button hole. He looked even more handsome than he had at the funeral.<br />
<br />
Susan was immediately welcomed by a clutch of enthusiastic girls – her friends. Most of them were rather polite and enquired after how she was dealing with her loss. But they couldn’t hide their pleasure at seeing her again and concluded that her presence at this banquet was evidence that she was getting along just fine. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgOfBJmuEFaiWQlpoeMcgh9-clpMw1gjog9XGIOyAvVfDVkcdxKejFWHwLH7762VrxfWnZ37xuMJdCyQPpjM06V8wZY8UBhHvulJFktmODA42jO0ZbH-mO6YDmUIxWZDVaDrCs4WIMGJy/s1600/MSD+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgOfBJmuEFaiWQlpoeMcgh9-clpMw1gjog9XGIOyAvVfDVkcdxKejFWHwLH7762VrxfWnZ37xuMJdCyQPpjM06V8wZY8UBhHvulJFktmODA42jO0ZbH-mO6YDmUIxWZDVaDrCs4WIMGJy/s320/MSD+B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The banquet was laid out in a casual buffet style, and so, after helping herself to a small portion of food, she sat down with her friends and listened silently as they babbled on about the latest gossip: Jonathan was courting Molly, and they expected that it would not be long before an engagement was announced. That answered Susan's question as to how Molly had felt about Peter's death and explained her unexpected absence from the funeral.<br />
<br />
The evening was dragging for Susan. She was exhausted and didn't have much to add to the conversation. Margaret had been engaged with another, slightly older group of girls (most of whom Susan had never seen before) from the time they arrived. As her mind drifted from the conversation around her, she suddenly overheard Margaret sharing with her confidants in a scandalous voice, <br />
<br />
“Yes, that's Susan Pevensie over there in my old blue dress. The poor dear, she's had a rough time after losing her entire family in that train crash. Why she showed me the most beautiful rings that she found among her brothers' possessions this afternoon. When I suggested we wear them to the banquet tonight, she refused and said they had come from another world. Another world! If you ask me they were probably stolen. I don't think her family could afford jewellery of that quality.” The group laughed mirthfully. Susan didn't hear the rest of the conversation. <br />
<br />
Thankfully, no on else outside of Margaret's group seemed to have heard the exchange. Susan wiped away the first batch of tears from her eyes. And excused herself from her group of friends. She was on her way to the powder room, when David walked up to her with glasses of drink in his hands. He was taking refills to his friends, but stopped to greet Susan and enquire how she was. He took one look at her face, and stopped, putting the glasses down on the nearest table. <br />
<br />
“Are you all right, Susan?” he asked with genuine concern in his voice, “you don't look well.” Susan bit her lip. This was just what she needed – to burst out crying in front of David. “I don't feel well,” she managed to get out with only a slight wobble in her voice. I am on my way to the powder room. Could you tell Margaret I would like to leave now?” David nodded with a smile of encouragement and hurried over to Margaret.<br />
<br />
Susan moved towards the powder room as quickly as she could without drawing attention to herself. There she allowed herself to cry a little before washing her face. Then she attempted to cover up what was left of her ruined make up. As dreadful as it would be leaving with Margaret, she needed to get out of this place. She eventually gathered up enough courage to leave the room and was surprised to see David waiting for her, not far off. <br />
<br />
“Susan,” he said, “I spoke to Margaret and I'm sorry, but she says she's not ready to leave yet and that if you are feeling so bad, you should take a taxi back to her house.” Susan sighed. It would be better that way. She could go to bed before Margaret got home and wouldn't have to speak to her. “I've already called you a cab,” continued the young man, “it should be here very soon. Come, I'll walk you out. I've already told the Jacobsen's that you are unwell and we will be taking our leave.”<br />
<br />
<i>We?</i> Susan must have heard incorrectly. She had a terrible headache and felt a little dizzy. She leant on David's proffered arm as he led her out to the street. As the taxi arrived, David told Susan, “I'm coming with you to Margaret's house. You're in no condition to be travelling alone.” Susan simply nodded, she had no strength to argue. He opened the door for her and she threw herself into the seat as he walked around to the other side and got in. David didn't say a word throughout the trip. It was a comfortable silence and Susan let the tears flow, hidden as she was in the half-dark.</div>
Ajnos Gamgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14847479825646638118noreply@blogger.com0