Folksburywoods Story Blog

“Have we reached it yet, Master Abarorelix?” implored the young apprentice.

“No man can say Edler, but we shall endeavor to find an answer to your query,” replied the wizard Abarorelix.

Edler came to serve the master thirteen years ago. In all those years, he has never known Abarorelix to refuse a challenge. This time, the stakes were high. If the point of no return had been reached, all life on the sphere would end in a fortnight.

“Tomorrow, I shall ride to Theradon to commune with the Oracle. If all goes well, I’ll be back before sunset,” said the wizard.

Abarorelix woke the boy and instructed him to ready the fastest egar in the stable while he packed his satchel.

“Remember, boy, secrecy is of the utmost importance. Many would try to stop me from finding the truth. Their power comes from the lie they spin to the people,” whispered the wizard.

Abarorelix bid farewell and sped to the Oracle and, hopefully, an answer. Pushing the steed hard, the wizard reached the mountain by midday.

“You have done well, my friend. I shall walk to the top while you follow behind,” the wizard said to his egar. The climb was steep, but taken in stride, it caused the pair no ill effects.

Abarorelix took a moment to scan the horizon before approaching his destination. “It seems unbelievable to imagine all this could be gone in a fortnight,” the man remarked.

The wizard cautiously approached the Oracle to ensure his mind was prepared to meld. “My mind is open spirit. Meld with me so that I might ask a question,” said Abarorelix to the glowing symbol.

Moments later, the wizard collapsed. Abarorelix was awakened by his egar licking his face and snorting. “Thank you, my friend. We must return to the Sanctum Sanctorum with all hast,” said the wizard.

As the horizon changed from deep red to black, Abarorelix reached the Sanctum.

Edler rushed to help him off the steed and in to his chair. “Go and tend the egar. He needs your attention more than I,” said the man.

Edler wanted to ask the Oracle’s answer but knew there was a time and place for everything. When the beast was secured in the stable, the apprentice rushed to the Sanctum.

“Master, what say the Oracle,” said Edler.

Abarorelix sat silently. He mulled over his answer. Then he leaned forward. He looked his student directly in the eye and said, “We’re all going to die, just not now.”

The Oracle showed me two possible outcomes we who study natural philosophy have known for some time. If we stay on our path, we will soon reach the point of no return.

“And if we choose a new path, what then, master,” asked Edler.

“No man can say, but it would give us time for the wisdom we lack. To catch up with the tools of death we love so much,” replied the master.

Abarorelix sat back in his chair. He promptly fell asleep. He dreamed of a world where wisdom led. In that world, the tools of science followed. Perhaps that world could be reached in Edler’s time, but no man could say.

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