The Fold Ship Part 5

Posted on 08 Oct 2013 @ 4:46am by Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim

877 words; about a 4 minute read

Allyndra had some time again so she again opened her special log.

"Computer open and continue the Log entitled the Fold Ship"

[Log is open and recording]

"I remember the wind blowing hard and it carried the chill of last snows on the mountains down the steep dark sides to pluck at my clothing.

It was cold but I remember whipping the sweat from my brow and I gazed upward to see how far the two suns had gone across the sky.
This far up in the mountains darkness would fall fast with the peaks enveloping the deep valley.

I was tired but I did not relish stumbling the last several miles over uncertain terrain by only Ring shine. It was a damn good way to sprain an ankle. That and the fact that once the suns were behind the peaks that rose up like teeth around me, the touch of chill they sent down now would be nothing.

"Alright!" I said to the Qwitlicks and tugged on the lead animals tether. The animals were not real bright, but they were sturdy things covered with a heavy dark hair that overlay fine soft hair underneath. So fine, that it could be woven into a very fine textile that was near sheer, but soft, strong and warm at the same time. The Wussuru order traded with the small towns far down in the warmer plains.

The lead animal just stood there all four feet planted and looked at me with big dark eyes. It's head equal in height to my own though only by virtue of longer neck. The front shoulders only coming to about my waist. The animal might almost be called cute if not for the drool that formed a long streamer and threatened to stain her clothing if the wind shifted. I turned and tugged again leaning my weight into pulling on the tether. I shouted again. The pack animals did not care about my command but the lead animal finally plodded one heavy foot forward to my insistant tug and the rest began to follow.

I sure wish I had one of those neat little machines that they used way down in the town but up here in the mountains along the narrow tracks they would be worthless. It was just my luck that in the whole of the wide world I had obviously displeased the Guild Mother and had been sent to the reclusive Wussuru order. Sometimes I thought being a nectur farmer's worker would be a step up. At least working on a nectur farm I would see at least something of town more than once every season or two, and certainly I wouldn't be freezing my rear off most of the time. This was no doubt the Warraquim Guild Mother's way of punishment I had long decided. Again, I pulled on the tether trying to get the animals to move at a faster pace but it was worthless. I could not help but wonder why in the world the Wussuru decided to retreat into the far mountains.

"Come ON!" I shouted and tugged hard on the lead Qwitlick, "I'd rather be warming by a heater then having to snuggle another night next to your stinky carcass!" The animal just made a snorting sound and continued to plod at its own pace ignoring any urgency of the tug on the rope the two-legged creature in front seemed to want.

I trod along the thin path cursing her fate and spent the time watching one foot pace in front of the other while my thoughts of running away or what might been different when a nudge from the animal made me look up. "Damn it, first you don't want to come along and now you all but run me over." I raised a fist to the animal but it would do no good. All I would do is hurt my hand on the thick bone.

I turned and looked up to see the outline of the House at the far end of the valley. "Well, never mind, looks like hearth for me and warm stable for you."

I was glad, for darkness was gathering, the cold winds blew harder and one of the many mountain storms that had been gathering since late afternoon began to finally void its gathered water from the ocean that seemed now so far away. I was tired after the journey and then getting the animals settled in and then a hasty bite of late dinner. The main meal was long past and though I was hungry enough, sleep called to me even more so.

I ploded up the steps to my room, every step seeming to be longer and harder than the last. Finally I had just made it to the hall and thenn down it to my small bedroom. There was figure in the hall standing by my door but I had not seen her with my head hanging low from being so tired.

It was the Guild Mother of the Wussuru Order standing there awaiting me.

Computer end log for now"

[Log ended and closed]

Allyndra pinched her eyes. Just like then she was tired again but would rest now to continue her story another day.

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