Hey everyone. The second installment of the chronicles of Lem Ewinks is here. The first part is linked below for you to catch up.
Part 1
The sound of song birds filled the air as Lem slowly opened his eyes. He rolled over and felt his head where he'd been struck. His skin was still tender and bruised but he was able to think more clearly than the previous day. The door to his room opened and in popped his mother's head.
“Oh, you're awake. You have a visitor, Lem,” she said as she opened the door wider.
Pimner sheepishly peered around from behind her and was ushered in. “I'm sorry,” was all he was able to mutter without losing his composure.
Lem sat up and called him over to hug his long time friend. “Pim, we've been friends since I can remember. I know it was an accident and forgive you. Please forgive yourself and do not blame yourself,” Lem said as he let go.
A look of relief washed over Pimner's face when he heard this. “Thank you, Lem. The elders have been discussing your trial in your absence. You know it was two days ago, right?”
“Yeah, I guess I'll have to wait until next year,” Lem said with a shrug.
“Well, that's the thing. They know you've set out to prove yourself to them and the gods. They've seen you training, studying, and devoting yourself to the gods day in and day out. They're thinking of making an exception to allow you to pass earlier than that.”
“Hmm...,” Lem hums as he seems to lose himself into thought. “They're willing to break tradition for me?”
“Yeah, they're hoping to speak with you this afternoon.”
Lem gets out of bed to find breakfast has been prepared for him. He and Pimner fill their stomachs with rabbit and gravy pie, seed cakes, and various candied flowers then set out for the day.
The time for Lem's verdict from the elder's was nigh. He bid farewell to his friend and reassured him all has been forgiven. Taking the first step Lem noticed for the first time in his life the magnitude of ascending this staircase. It signified a life of purity, a life spent in devotion to others and to their gods, a life all monks of his ilk want, but few persevere to achieve. He took a deep breath and sighed as he climbed to the top.
At the top he noticed a single monk waiting for him. He was dressed in a high quality dark robe, better than his own garb, that was strikingly plain. Lem recognized this monk but could not remember his name. He knew he had grown up around him and should have been able to but despite all his efforts nothing came to mind. Much thought wasn't put into it as he knew when he passed the elder's trials he would get the chance to reacquaint himself. The thought of becoming a personal apprentice to one of the elder's excited Lem.
The monk at the top beckoned for Lem to follow. He led Lem through a thick ornate door adorned with hibiscus flowers in bloom, silver etchings marking the stems and leaves, and a sturdy steel bolt thicker than his arm. The elders were sitting in a semi-circle at the end of the room patiently looking at the door awaiting their visitor. The monk bowed and promptly left Lem at the door.
“Lem,” the abbot called out “we are pleased to see you are doing well.”
“Thank you Father Abbot,” Lem replied.
“Please, come join us.” the abbot motioned for an empty seat at the foot of their circle. Lem walked towards them admiring the artifacts adorning the room. Statues depicting various historical events and conquests lined the sides between ornamented pillars. “As you know, tradition dictates aspiring monks be tested every year if they are to advance their training. You're impromptu sparring with Pimner was most disastrous. However, we have seen your dedication to this the gods, this community, and yourself. You are by far one of the most gifted monks to step on these grounds. After much deliberation we have unanimously decided it would be unfair, given the circumstances, to prohibit you from advancing in light of all you've done for us and the gods. We are ready to begin your trial as of right now. What do you say?”
Lem takes a moment to digest what the abbot had just said. “I believe I am ready.”
“Very well let us begin. As you know it is a three part trial. First we will test your peace of mind during meditation. Your unwavering inner strength will carry you above a life of strife. Second, we will test your physical acuity. Protecting your community, family, and yourself from the dangers of this world will be imperative. Last, we will test your devotion to the gods. We have seen this first hand during your training here. This is the most important test as a life of virtue is one that is given to the gods. Let us begin.”
As I write these I realize how daunting of a task creating a story can be. This is my first foray into fiction writing and it's been an enjoyable experience creating more depth to the world Lem lives in and the character itself. I feel as though doing this writing is helping me to get more into the character and in sussing out how the character would behave in his world when I play him. As always constructive criticism is always welcomed and I hope you all enjoyed this "episode"!
Image sourced from cocoparisienne at Pixabay. Thank you!