Thegrarias A traveler came to an especially arid land, far from anywhere he'd been before. Fields of stone and wildflowers filled the green fields. Small creatures came and went from their boroughs, watched over by songbirds and eagles. Eventually he came to a wide wood, full of tall, ancient trees, their trunks encased in mossy stone. Here it was quite and still. Before long he came upon a large stone in the middle of the path. At it’s center was carved a peculiar inscription: "Welcome to Thegrarias: No king but the King. This intrigued the traveler, so he walked on. As he came around to the other side of the rock, the wood ended rather abruptly, revealing a sight worthy of the journey. The land stretched out before him, covered in fields of corn, bean, pumpkin, sunflower, cotton, bamboo, and a striking array of other plants. They all grew separately, in seemingly perfect circles, with several wide paths cut through each crop. These intentional paths lead to small houses in the center of each field. The homes were each different, with their own styles and craftsmanship. Some were surrounded by streams of clear, cool water, that slowly rolled mill wheels round and round. Others were topped with windmills, spinning lazily in the breeze. One home was built in the center of a circular pond, atop a mound of rock, with a single stone walkway running to and from the shore. Even from here he could see the fish jumping in and out of the water. Occasionally groups of tall, majestic oak. maple and birch would break the otherwise consistent landscape. He noticed orchards as well. Each had been planted in the same circular formation, and were lush and full of fruit. He spotted apple and pear orchards, and a cherry as well, along with several circles of grape vines and blueberry bushes. The sky here was an overwhelming blue vast, which seemed to consumed the whole of the visible earth; like the ocean, turned upside down. The sun stood high, as if to say it was proud of the land, blessing the various plants as they grew. It felt like mid-summer here, and the crops appeared to be approaching their maturity. Then the traveler noticed the most striking feature of the horizon. In the distance, across the fields and houses, stood a high hill, much higher than any other in the valley. Round it's base lay a thick ring of flat river stones, each a different size and shape, but all fitting together to form a single ring. Leading up the gradual slope of the hill were a network of stairs and stone paths. Some were cut into the hill itself, others raised above the ground. Each wound in different directions, sometimes crossing each other, going down, then up again, but in the end, all leading to the hills pinnacle. A large, circular stone building sat in the center of the hilltop. From here he could see huge colored glass panes cut into the building, reflecting a multitude of hues across the landscape. Looking from a Southward direction, he could see straight through the interior of the cathedral. Two massive archways pierced the north and south sides of the building, letting the sun inside to play tricks through the windows. Just then a voice shouted to him from the valley, "Hello there!". He followed the path with his eyes, as it descended down the hill. Just as it turned to flat ground, there stood a man in simple cotton clothes. He wore no shoes, and stared at the stranger while leaning on a sort of rake made from bamboo and stone. The traveler waved back and walked on into Thegrarias. "I apologize for not descending sooner,” he said. “I was just admiring this valley." "It is beautiful," said the barefooted man with a smile, and the two grasped forearms in greeting. "What is your name traveler?” "Call me Sol." "Glad to know you Sol, I am Helianthi, sunflower farmer and storyteller, but I am known as Heli." He turned and pointed to a circle of tall, healthy sunflowers behind him, at the center of which sat a round, tall house mad from stone and clay. "That is my crop. Mine and my wife's." "It's lovely," replied Sol. "Where is it you come from Sol?" "Nowhere in particular, I'm a traveler by trade." "Well Traveler Sol, from Nowhere in Particular, come and meet the people of Thegrarias. We do not often enough have visitors. I am on my way to see Triligo, the wheat farmer and brewer. His rake staff snapped, and it will be a day or 2 before Tignarious, he is the bamboo farmer and carpenter, can replace it. In the mean time I am lending him mine." "You have only one carpenter here?" "We have no need for more than that. He is a good carpenter. Is there more than one carpenter where you come from?" "Not necessarily, but I know of many places where there are many carpenters, even in one city." "How strange. How does one decide which carpenter's work to use?" "Well, whichever one is better I suppose." A very puzzled look came across his face. "They are not all equally talented?" "No, that is why there are more than one." "That is very strange indeed." We continued in relative silence, as Heli seemed to mull over what I had just shared with him. Occasionally he would point to a farm and tell him the name of it’s caretaker. Soon they reached a circular patch of tall, heady wheat. An ornate path of stones, each engraved with a bundle of wheat, led up to the of home of Triligo. It was wider than Heli’s, and had a windmill extending from it’s roof, slowly turning round and round. As we began walking between the wheat, their tall stalks dancing like water in the wind, Heli turned to me. "There must be little peace in the places you speak of, and a constant desire to be better than others." "Yes, but for many that is good motivation." "Hmm," was all he said. By this time we were at the door of Triligo's. His wife, a beautiful and powerful woman, with long, braided golden hair answered the door. She wore a flowing dress covered in brightly colored flower patterns. "Good day Heli, how are you, doing well I hope? I suppose you're here about the rake, thanks again. And you've brought a friend, good day to you sir, I'm Trila, Trili's wife, happy to have you in our valley, good journey here I pray? Well don't hesitate another moment, I'll send Trili right out." She stepped back inside, leaving the door open, and yelled for her husband. "In a moment love, just a moment,” replied a rough voice. Moments later, a broad, tall man came down a series of steps that stood in the center of the foreroom. He wore no shoes, just as Heli did not, but he shouldn't have needed them, considering how much hair covered his feet. His arms and hands were bushy as well. This all culminated in a fiery red beard, descending from a thick bushel of red atop his head. The man was imposing to say the least. "Ah, Heli, a thousand blessings on you." "A pleasure, as always Trili." "Won't you both stay for a fresh drink? I've just finished the seasons barrel." "Perhaps on the way to the hill, we shouldn't be late." "Ah yes, my head would be lost were it not for my shoulders." He turned and belted out into the houses interior. "I'm off to the hill, Trila!" "Don't stay too long!" she yelled back. "I'll grab some mugs and meet you around front. And what was your name stranger?" he said. "I'm Sol.” He held out his thick hand, "Welcome." After a firm shake, he returned my arm and turned to walk away. Before he could go one step, 4 red haired children stormed upon him. "Wait Papa, don't go without us!" They jumped onto his legs and back. "HA! No my loves, you must stay until you are older, then you can join us." He laughed heartily and swung around in circles, the children hanging on tight and giggling. Sol followed Heli back along the path leading out through the wheat. Trili quickly caught up with them, three large stone ale flasks in one hand, his other holding a large bamboo keg over his shoulder. He passed around the mugs, full to the brim with a cloudy golden brew. Together they walked at a good pace towards the tall cathedral topped hill at the valleys center. Along the way greetings were exchanged with other families as they worked around their homes. Several other men joined our party, each with a mug and a joyful demeanor. Sol was introduced to Ferrarious, the metal worker and musician, and Equus, the valleys horsemaster and historian. He told Sol of how the people came to the valley long ago, and had since existed with no king or authority. Upon saying this, Trili shouted out "No king but the King!" which was echoed boistrously throughout the group, who then broke out into some old song telling the joy of living under no man, but rather only under God Himself. The closer they got to the hill, the happier they all became. Tales of great adventures, and the joys of life were thrown from man to man, some spoken, some sung. The mugs were soon emptied, only to be refilled from Trili's shoulder. The party grew larger and larger, till we were just a few short of a mob. As we reached the base of the hill, the men became silent and contemplative. The group stopped just short of the ring of flat river stones. All eyes looked up to the cathedral, the setting sun reflecting patterns of light from the windows. They danced like river spirits across the face of the valley. From the crowd 6 men stepped forward onto the stone circle, each holding his mug high in the air, as if in salute. Then they spoke in unison, proclaiming: "Glorious is the king who rules this valley!" The crowd behind them responded in turn, saying: "Long live the king!" "He blesses the soil, and blesses our toil, the work of our hands!" "Long live the king!" "He defends our homes, rights the wrongs, is just indeed!" "Long live the king!" "We will serve only him, and in turn serve each other, that we may never fall to far!" "Long live the king!" "No king but the king!" The 6 men stepped back into the group, then together they all held their mugs high and shouted to the heavens for what seemed like a passionate and wonderful eternity. When all grew silent there was short pause, and someone from the crowd shouted, "To the top boys, ever onward!" Cries of agreement were given in return, and then, like a wave of purpose, we ascended the hill. As we climbed the steady incline, Heli turned to Sol, to offer an explanation. "We find it unifying to declare our purpose before going up." "It was wonderful," I said with great sincerity. "Who were the men that stepped forward?" "They are men of great humility and wisdom. They are the elders of the valley." "Do they make the decisions, the judgements?" Heli seemed puzzled by the question, but humored Sol with a response. "When we are in the Spirit of unity, the way of truth is evident. That is why we cry up the hill before we ascend, that when we reach the top, our minds may work together, rather than apart." Sol remained silent the rest of the way, sensing a need for meditation before we arrived. As the group crested the hill, the cathedral full detail of the cathedral was revealed to Sol. It was an architectural masterpiece, as if the whole valley had crafted it together, which he imagined they had. Each stone on the wall and floor and ceiling was intricately carved with symbols of animals, plants, and all the trades of the people. Inside, the great interior was simply an open circle. Along the back walls were lined bamboo benches, topped with pillows of many colors. In the center, recessed in the floor burnt a great fire. As the crowd flooded into the hall, several men grabbed torches from the wall, lit them from the center fire and placed them back in their respective brackets. Soon the room was fairly well lit by the firelight, as well as the moon now rising and shining through the glass windows. Watching the moonlight, Sol noticed that the windows were not simply random shards of color, but rather detailed depictions of events. Some showed harvesting, others the building of certain homes and the cathedral itself. Others showed great deeds and festivals. On the walls was the culture of the entire valley, portrayed in the glass. Men now took to the wall, filling the benches. Some sat on the pillows, others put them behind their backs or necks. Others still placed them under their feet. As they all got comfortable, the 6 elders assembled round the center fire. One man, tall and thin with piercing blue spoke first. "That's Sano, the healer." whispered Heli. "We recognize that it is good for us to meet that we might confess our disputes with other members of the valley. Who brings issue?" For the next hour or so, men would stand and approach the center, and offer problems they faced either with other members of the group or with themselves. Men spoke of everything from crop failure, to dangerous practices and even personal struggles of envy or strife. Afterwards, a resolution would be agreed upon by the whole group, and the parties would make a vow to uphold the resolution. When no more issues were brought to the light, Sano stepped forward and said in proud voice, "Let us give thanks to the king that we are free of our burdens, and rejoice in the gifts he gives us. Go in peace!" The crowd returned with a "And you also!". The men stood slowly, stretching and making low chatter. Slowly they left the hall, extinguishing the torches as they left. Descending the hill, small groups seemed to form and they each left in alternate directions, returning to their homes. Along the paths running through the valley, small glowing stones lined the edges, giving off just enough light to see where you walked. Heli noticed Sol staring at them. "Those are thanks to Invenio, the alchemist. He tinkers with strange objects, often producing very helpful things. Like these stones which absorb the suns rays and then glow throughout the." "Amazing," Sol said. He then asked Heli, ”Is that the way all things are decided in the valley?” “Indeed. Once a week, all the men from their families gather in the great hall to present their issues. If an issue is large or effects more than just the parties involved, the decision is put off until the following week, so that the men may go home to discuss it with their wives.” “What if an emergency should arise?” “If the matter is too pressing to wait until the next meeting, the elders are called together that same day, and they must decide. Now, let us get home so that you may enjoy my wife’s cooking. She will be glad to have company. You can stay with us as long as you like.” “I would dare not impose upon you and you’re wife, Heli.” “Nonsense, it is already decided.” “Never pass up a chance to eat from Hela’s table, friend,” chimed in Trili. “She is the finest cook in the valley.” “Indeed she is,” said Heli. “Though your wife makes a fine pepper roast.” At this, Trili beamed as bright as the stones along the path. “She does indeed.” We walked quietly the rest of the way, saying farewell to Trili at his gate, and continuing on to Heli’s home. That night Hela fed Sol a wonderful dinner of artichoke dipped in a sweet and oily paste, alongside flour noodles and a thick butter sauce. For desert they had a beer brewed with blueberries and a raspberry tart. After dinner, there was some light conversation. Sol told Hela and Heli of some the strange lands he had visited and their customs. That night Sol slept well in Thegrarias, and was sad to leave it the next morning. He felt it necessary to leave as soon as possible, knowing that too long in this place, and he was likely to pick up a trade, perhaps settle down, and never leave the valley. Heli and a small group of others saw him off, waving and hailing blessings as he left, off to another strange place, promising to return someday.
Copyright © 2006 Jm Leary |