preview

Essay : Chapter 1

Good Essays
Open Document

The sacred ridge, the summit perched high above the village had come to be their temporary home. Its exposed position offered little protection from the elements. But with Tralore's unwillingness to leave, it left Umonakalisi with few remaining options, and after hammering the last steel pole into the rocky ground, he stood back to admire his handy work. Crude, but practical. Once he'd fixed the patchwork canopy that Ami helped to stitch, it would provide ample shelter from the harsh sun and offer a modicum of protection from the approaching night. "You do not have to trouble yourself for me," Tralore declared, perched on the stone bench opposite the summit's entrance. "Of course, I do, old man. If you refuse to abandon the plateau, then …show more content…

But, thank you, my friend." Umonakalisi smiled, glad for the distraction. "So tell me, old man, how long do you intend to remain up here?" "Until we are called upon." "By whom?" "By The Master Of Time, who visits us on the wings of a blackbird," he said, citing the scriptures once more as his gaze searched for The Hub's shadowy outline. "Or the Kentali. You know they'll be watching," Umonakalisi added. "Regrettably, yes." Both men became silent. The coming days would be pivotal to their continued existence. A change was on their horizon, of that they were sure, but what form it might take was still unknown. "I have to tell Ami," Tralore announced out of the blue. "Tell her what?" "About Lycia, about her sister." It was only in the deep stillness that followed that Tralore understood how far opposed to the idea Umonakalisi's truly was, and when he replied, his tone was severe and resolute, and he glared across the gap between them. "That is foolish!" "I do not agree. I think it is necessary. And it has to be me." "We don't know if events have restored the old future." "I am positive," Tralore said, staring at his friend, "the villagers should make arrangements to receive our honoured guests." "And if it's the Kentali?" "What good will come of telling them?" The argument was sound but cold and as heartless as the desert jackals that stalked the Blood Sands after nightfall. "But first I must tell Ami the truth." "You'll only vilify yourself in her eyes.

Get Access
Related
Get Access