Canlanma Street Level, Story 6

-

Story 6

   My mommy told me that my schooling would be boring to me. I really hope Mommy is wrong as I put on my cleanest set of play clothes and take my schoolbag off the counter in the kitchen. Daddy is already at work at my school, so maybe I'll see him later.

  I leave the house with most of my older cousins ahead of me. I am too excited. Ever since the last Cycle of Light, I counted the days. 168 days of waiting. Then Daddy told me I had to wait 28 more days because of that weird holiday we always have. I can't say it right, so Daddy just makes me call it "the holiday."

  "Abby! Wait up!" My cousin David yells behind me. "I can't walk as fast as you" I stop and roll my eyes. I wanted to walk by myself to feel like one of the older kids. But I can't because my older cousin David wants to protect me. He tells me he is protecting me from other older kids. But I am 20 cycles old! I can take care of myself. "Thanks, Abby. I was worried you wouldn't wait." He looks to my look of annoyance. "What? You don't want me to walk with you?" I look back up at the sky and start walking again. "Oh, Abby! Don't be mad at me!" I am trying to save my voice for school. I think he finally noticed my silence and just walks by my side. At least I get a few moments of quiet thoughts. I watch the fluffy clouds go by. I smell the smoke of wood fires cooking different meals. I hear the loud smashes from the anvils in the armor-making shops. It is a lot to take in, but my family has taught me what to do when there is too much to take in. But for now, everything is-

  "So, are you excited for school?" David's words cut through my peaceful daydreaming like a hot knife. I glare at him. He frowns back. "What? I just want to talk to you." He looks up and down my body. "Where are your words?" He reaches for my new schoolbag. I move it away from him. "I just want you to talk to me, Abby." He tries to grab my bag again. I flinch away and grip my bag tighter. He keeps trying to grab my bag and I try to keep it away. As we struggle, I hear a growl and the sound of paws coming down on the pavement. Behind David is a wolf hybrid in a green cloak and silver armor. The symbol on its cloak makes me feel better; it's the Protector's symbol. 

  "What is going on, young ones?" The Protector paces around to kneel between us. Its fur smells of roses and firewood.

  "My cousin won't use her words and talk to me." David whines.

  The Protector looks to me. It seems to notice that my necklace is under my shirt. I didn't want David to see it. It gently touches its paw to my head. Can I speak to you this way? I hear its voice in my head. I nod. Good, thank you. My name is Protector Glade. Is this young one your cousin? I nod again. Do you wish to talk to him right now? I shake my head. Would it help if I walk with you to school? I nod.

  "What is Abby telling you?" My cousin asks with an angry voice. 

  The Protector gives him a stern look. "Your behavior and your cousin's conversation with me convinced me that you need some extra company. I will be coming with you to the school."

  My cousin agrees with a sad face. We all walk together the rest of the way. The Protector talks to each of us for a little while about what school is like and how much we will like it. As we reach the entrance, a friendly Instructor waits for us. "Ah, Protector Glade. Did young David do something to our new student?"

  "Badgering, Instructor Woods. Nothing more." The Protector Glade answers. 

  "Ah, I see." The Instructor lets David inside then kneels to meet my eyes. "Welcome, Abby. Are you ready?"

  I tap my necklace and feel a connection between my mind and my mouth. "Yes, Instructor Woods.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Book Review #3

-
Book Review Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style Written by Benjamin Dreyer   If you are looking for a newer, fresher guide to the English language, this might be something to read. Dreyer is the Copy Chief of Random House, which gives him ample credibility to the wisdom and advice he offers. This book becomes a first step into the mind of a copy editor for multiple forms of writing. A lot of the information in this book serves as great advice and a springboard into other resources that Dreyer heartily recommends.   There is a lot of information to take in with this book. Its two sections (and thirteen chapters) cover a lot of material. The first section, "The Stuff in the Front," goes into detail about various style suggestions that you may want to consider on a basic level. Things such as punctuation; the rules and nonrules; and how to write foreign words in your work are critical for everything from flash fiction to novellas, from biographies...
Read more

Extra Note

-
 This goes to every American who either voted or did not vote recently. If you did not get what you wanted/needed, celebrate with those who did. For the first time in four years, those people may feel seen and valued.  If you did get what you wanted/needed, comfort and/or pray for those who did not. For the first time in four years, those people may feel uncertain and scared of their future.  No matter who you are as an American, please prepare to make the next four years the best they can be for yourself and others. Not just the ones you agree with, but everyone.  If your first reaction to my request was to become angry, then please take a moment to ask yourself why you got angry. The fact that you may not be able to set aside your feelings/convictions to understand how others feel is not what we as a full country need right now. For those of you who aren't American but still have elections in your country, I would kindly ask that you adapt this practice for when yo...
Read more

Canlanma Street Level, Story 1

-
Story 1    The holy incense follows the disciples out of the gilded temple hall. The Shepherd continues to swing the burner as he repeats the old mantras of the faith. The last disciple leaves and the burner settles as the Shepherd contemplates the list of rituals he must perform before the sun sets. The ritual implements have to be cleaned, the sacrifices burned, the acolytes of the temple purified, the-   "Shepherd Thanatos, we have a situation that requires your attention." An acolyte of the temple calls from below the altar. The Shepherd sighs and recites his calming mantra: "What I am about to do has not been approved." The Shepherd walks slowly behind the altar and finds the symbol on the side as he recites "chao regnat" under his breath. The symbol glows and opens a trap door under the altar. Shepherd Thanatos checks for other unwelcomed entities then slips under the altar and down the exposed staircase.   The acolytes in the room part as Shephe...
Read more