EXORDIUM 13,000 BBBC
“An appreciation of the past lends credibility and confidence to a vision of the future” Peter Ustinov.
While the Sha’hannat’s two Survival decisions were being presented to the Tribes, a third was being discussed and settled - The details of how each expedition should be guided, ergo a Triphorlax of three experienced practitioners of the crucial arts would be selected. A Sagarn, A Shamaanum, A Pathfinder, to be accompanied by two Illuminati. As each Octett arrived they were to be so informed.
The daily gatherings at the Central Ovid Hall were well attended by the steady influx of completed Octetti members. Several silent Illuminati observed the questions and the Sages answers. Soon enough some of the picked travelling companions would enjoin the throng, although usually for only a few days.
The verbal record, fragmented, has survived the millennia, with indications that the questions were many, of which only that seemingly most important remains clear. Asked in turn by each arriving Octett, “Do we know what in form the catastrophe will come ?”
D’Uahanna herself would give the answer - “In our far distant past Cosmic Forces have fallen on this our Earth. When the skyescape has faltered civilization have perished. It may so happen again. We have long witnessed too that the fire beneath our feet can burst forth, shaking the land, hurling rocks, ash, smoke”
“The causes of these terrible events we cannot explain, nor can we yet foretell their futures. There is one other that we have observed since this city was founded, nearly sixty generations ago. The very first construction was our harbour wall, into which are built four markers, each one cubit from the top lower than the the one above. The lowest one has not been seen for twenty eight generations, the third for twelve. The waters, thus, are ever rising and ever faster. We believe that the Golden Lantern will drown”
At this point Khalimar Sarkorius would step to her side to address the audience. “Our first expedition will depart on the first day of the coming K’Lentan, and formed by the tribe judged most ready. It’s destination will be D’Hog’Harlan, home of the Krinjii Peoples, where you will share our Truths, persuade them to enjoin your quest…..”
And thus the preparations began.
Authors Note :- These legends comprise a “Series of Serials”, interconnected over a span of 13,000 years. Dates are given in BBBC, to help you work out the chronosequencing.
EGRESS (12999 BBBC approx)
KHUMODIN - ALACH
“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten”
Rudyard Kipling.
Nine moons after the M’Hernicusii had carried the tidings of Expeditions to the twelve tribes, The Octetti of the Khumodin-Alach tribe were summoned to the Central Ovid Hall.
Khalimar Sarkarius had important news “My friends, my sibliani, it is you of the Red Salt people that are to form the first expedition.
Today you must name your Triphorlax. Tomorrow your M’Hernicus will deliver these decisions to your tribe.
Your Expedition will leave your tribal grounds on the K’Lentan first dawn, for the lands of the Krinjii. Two of your M’Hernicusi should bring us word of your progress every twelve to twenty four moons. After one moon of rest they will then guide a small party to join your expedition.
As you prepare to leave, any supplies you require will be provided by our sister tribes.
All outward travelers will carry a gift of your red salt to the Krinjii. You should seek to persuade them to join your mission, to find higher land for a new Golden Lantern.
Two Illuminatti are to accompany you to lay trail for those who follow. One of them knows a little of the Krinjii tongue.
May the Truth go with you”
That evening Khalimar Sarkari was visited by Naragar, a hardened Red Salt M’Hernicus, bringing the names of the selected Guiding trio.
“It is to be Shala’el, the daughter of our most learned Shaamanum, Tam-Rut, who you know well, and myself”
The old sage considered the choices a short while, replying “A good selection. The girl is young but I have heard much of her abilities, that her mother has taught her well. Tam-Rut is a talented Sagarn and arrow maker. I hunted one season with a group that included the boy, he showed skill even then. He has visited me here during the celebrations. You must bring them to me soon.”
Naragar nodded in assent. “You will have many truths to share” They nodded together, smiling, clasping hands.
Less than a single moon had passed when Naragar returned with the two. Tam-Rut amused at Shal’els excitement over her first trip to the island. Yet Khalimar and Nagi noted another aspect of her demeanor. Wise for her years, her solemnity at being chosen for the Triphorlax, barely disguised her delight.
The three were eager to learn what was known of the Krinjii. Khalimar Sarkarius explained that contact had been intermittent, with only small parties visiting each other, per generation. “The last one to actually settle with us was the Father of one of your Illuminatti. He passed some fifty moons ago, but she learned some of their culture and language. Such truths she will share with you all on the journey.”
“Our understanding is that they are descended from two races. One similar to our own forbears who mingled with the last of the uhrancient Bigface Peoples- Many of them have some difficulties with speech, but are intelligent and friendly.”
A chuckle came from the door, and “My Babu was friendly with my M*amo, I am the proof of that” and in walked the Illuminati. The speaker, a woman of dark hue, with tight curls, and an obvious good humour introduced herself with a clicking sound as N*Atuahm. Her companion, a young man with a withered arm, a shy manner - belied by fiercely intelligent eyes “I am Ankhrad, of D’Akan”
Khalimar and Nari sat to one side watching the others bonding.
Half a moon had passed when, early one temperate dawn, the five expeditionaries embraced the sage before embarking for the Red Salt Lands in the east. Their elderly friend stood on the harbour wall until the vessel was long beyond sight. The sea lapped gently, just a hand below the second marker.
It was customary at that time for the tribes to overwinter in large groups, adding to and repairing village structures. Most of them would also spend time at the Golden Lantern, feasting, celebrating, exchanging stories and seeking new mates, who would often join each others tribes. This time many, instead, joined the Khumodin-Alach thereby mitigating the leaving of some fourscore+ on the expedition.
Two days prior to departation, D’Uahanna arrived with escorts for a brief ceremony. Thus on the dawn before Egress, standing on a rock facing the the expedition, the rest of the tribe gathered around, silent, alert to the moment.
“Friends, Siblani, loose now your fears, Truly your lives here are done, yet tomorrow you live again. A new life unlike any other before. Know this and breathe, Grok this as you journey. Grok that you travel for all the tribes of the Golden Lantern, and for all those of the Krinjii too. Share our Truths.
All preparations are now complete, spend this day in peace with all you leave behind. We wish you success.”
She bowed and stepped down.
As Ankhrad the D’Akaan gazed at her he was startled by a hand encircling his withered wrist. Half turning he discovered the hand belonged to Shala’el, “You are now my responsibility, and I yours”, laughing she led the bewilderd to her dwelling.
Her mother, noting their hand holding approach, slipped quickly away, carrying a stoppered horn and a pouch of soft hide, in search of N’Atuahm. She found her making strange chalk and charcoal marks on an unfamiliar fabric.
N’Atuahm looked up, smiling “We have our secret truths, we two”-
“Yaiwha” agreed the other “I bring you two of mine; look ! this horn contains an oil that can preserve your pigments. These crushed herbs you must use to ensure that no child is born before my daughter inhabits the New Lantern.”
Many hours passed as she gave her friend precise instructions on how to use the oil and herbs. At last she asked “You create no imagery here. What are these marks you make all day ?”
“Aaah ! These are the words of D’Uahanna. The rest are yours. They serve as simple images, devised by we Illuminatii. A new device to convey speech. When you spend your time of wisdoms at Orolandus, you must request an Illuminati to record your golden truths in this manner. Perhaps you may learn a little of the skills yourself….”
They embraced and parted.
The K’lenten first sunrise shone on the assembling Expeditioneries outside of the village. Presently, moving northwards, exchanging salutations with the watching tribe, whilst D’Uahanna and her escorts set off to the west, to their waiting ship.
Soon enough all three groups were out of each others sight. Egress underway.
To be continued……….
NeXt Article. 28 June. “Grokking the undergrowth” The 2nd of an Environmental series on how we may, together, avoid Planetary Suicide. (Once we were cool)
NeXt Legends. 5 July. “Children of the Aftermath” (Introducing Totherwith).
“SNIPPET - A comparison”
AUTHORS NOTE :- I am surprised and delighted at the number of views, likes and comments from substack’s readers and writers for my two previous posts. Many thanks to everybody, for visiting, sharing your time. Peace, Maurice.