PROLEGOMENON: 1.
SURVIVAL
“To ignore the past is to remain ignorant of the present”. Anon
In the year 13,000 BBBC, at the Sha’hannat for the Golden Lantern, following a long night of deep parlance, two vital decisions wee agreed upon. As the dawn filtered into the Ovoid Central Hall, the waiting Tribal Messengers were ushered within, where an unusual glittering vibrant expectancy saturated their senses.
Thus spake the Oracle, D’Uahanna - “Fleetfooted M’Hernicusii, you are to carry to your Twelve Peoples, this our Sha’hannatan Confirmation, that our City of Light, our Civilization, WILL indeed be destroyed by natural Catastrophe. Our Illuminatii believe that this terrible calamity leaves us less than a mere century to prepare to salvage what we can”.
She paused to study the faces of the M’Hernicusii. She saw neither shock nor dismay. These stalwarts had long anticipated some such announcement.
Satisfied with their acceptance, she moved on. “To do nothing is inconceivable folly, suicide. Our strategy is to preserve our knowledge for our survivors descendants. It is also our Primal duty. Our tactics then,- to bring this message to all the peoples within and beyond our allegiances. Knowledge is for sharing, This is our Truth”.
“Return within one moon, bring an Octet of the fittest minds and bodies from every Tribe. Each octet will be well met by Khalimar Sarkarius, to discuss and train expeditions of distant exploration across terrains known and unknown. By spreading our knowledge. our skills and wisdoms, we sow the seeds of our survival”.
She paused again, a longer piercing gaze, a tight smile of pride.
“There is no time to be lost. Your ships await. Truth is our creed. Go now”.
The messengers each raised an arm crying “We share our Truths”.
The doors swung open and hey were gone.
Authors note… Banner Image depicts the island city of Orolandus (circa 13,000 BBBC)
PROLEGOMMENON: 2
MISSION
“Veritas historicae invigilet in posterum”
From the island city of Orolandus (The Golden Lantern) to the surrounding shores was a day’s sail in good weather. Rowing against the wind took at least double the time. Some of the tribes lived on the coastline or larger islands. Others dwelled further upstream, inland, perhaps a long day of hard running. Their M’Hernicusii were titled accordingly, Marei or Maratonii. Each tribe would have 4 or 5, who when not en-route spent their time developing physical stamina amongst their next generations.
After carrying D’Uahanna’s message to their tribes, the Octects were were chosen, mostly from volunteers, by consensus of their peoples. Laden with Provisions as tributes, they duly presented themselves to Khalimar Sarkarious. The old sage greeted them warmly before disclosing what was required of them……
“My Siblanii and friends, for centuries, every K’Lentan, we have sent small parties of fleet footed young emissaries, to make new contact with distant hunters. Rovers of the lands beyond our besit. We and they have shared much knowledge. We have become much stronger than perished civilizations of the past.”
“Your presence here today is because we need to be far, far, stronger yet to face our own perishment…. The truth is simple, there is no cosmic salvation, we must save ourselves.”
He gestured for water to be brought; thirsts quenched he began once more.
“The strategy devised by by our sages, is to send out larger, slower expeditions to the ends of the earth. Each tribe should seek to found a new city civilization, A mirror of Orolandus. Only this will save our knowledge over the millenii to come. Only this way will we survive disaster”
“The individual members of each octet are to divide their time between this Hall and your tribes. Here you will discuss the tactics of fulfillment. You will each select seven expedition companions, for whom you will be responsible. No child of less than nine summers should be selected. You will take your conclusions to your tribes and bring us their questions.”
“Be clear that no expedition is to return here. Some may fail, some may succeed. Only M’Hernicusii will travel between the expeditions and Orolandus”
More water was served.
“You will now be shown to your quarters. Tomorrow and every day you may bring your questions and proposals. Our sages are at your service. Aspiration, determination is the only choice. This is our Truth.”
They raised an arm to signify acceptance, crying “We carry the Truths”
NeXt Article. 14 June. “Identify the Culprits.” The first of an Environmental series on how we may, together, avoid Planetary Suicide. (Keep your cool).
NeXt Legends. 21 June. “EXORDIUM” + “EGRESS”.
AUTHORS NOTE :- Whilst drafting many of these Legends, I have shown them to a few friends and family; gladly receiving their comments. The most common was on the number of unusual words and phrases used. Well, they are deliberate, and will be translated by my Colleague Karel, on the 5th August. The reason…… erm, that’s another story.
Thanks for visiting, sharing your time. Peace, Maurice