I have been working on a story, writing it out by hand in this little rough-edged journal, and when I have a little time I add to it. I am continuing to share some more chapters, as some have encouraged me to continue sharing. Please feel free to let me know your thoughts as you do deeper into the story.
Read the Prelude HERE.
Read Chapter I HERE.
Read Chapter 2 HERE.
Read Chapter 3 HERE.
Read Chapter 4 HERE.
Read Chapter 5 HERE.
Read Chapter 6 HERE.
Read Chapter 7 HERE.
Chapter VIII
Nella began to document all the passages that reflected the negative and words that could be used for ill, recording them in another book. Over the course of the next few weeks she filled a book of these terms. When read together, there was a clear, sinister nature. The ill had been done in tiny bits and pieces spread across time and pages. It was written. She had her proof. While that could not be undone completely, it could be countered with good.
She brought these discoveries to Master Nolan, who was so impressed by her findings, he set an immediate meeting of the Writer's Guild. Nella was again at the large round table with the leaders, and she was asked to explain her findings.
The night before she had been up late at the library, reading through entries again, seeking to discover the mysteries of many waters. Her theory had to have proof, and she combed entries by candlelight, recording each set of suspect phrases. As she reviewed them, she pieced together the crack in Tive's so-called corrective drainage.
She was correct, that the drainage actually restored the water to the place from which it came - a grand lake several miles away that had a dam. When it reached a certain level, the dam would open, releasing the flood. If drainage had been led elsewhere, the floods would rarely be released, as it only opened when the water reached a certain height, but because it all returns to the lake, the flood comes daily. The residents cannot fix what they do not understand.
Tive wrote this into the descriptions of more than 65 entries, but it was cleverly done. One could easily overlook it, since one of two passages would not raise alarm. Her theory was that if Tive had not written in his "corrections", the landscape would likely only flood once per season, and not in the dramatic sweeping sea that came everyday with dangerous waves. Instead, he guaranteed it would occur everyday, almost as if he was trying to keep them all captive and secluded in the treetops, tormented by the mysteries of the flood they could not understand. Even if the residents had no desire to leave, his ill will prevented them from exploring and learning more about the realm. If they could not accept his ideas of moving forward, they wouldn't be allowed to move forward at all when he left. He saw to that.
Nella explained all of this to the Guild. As she was talking she suddenly realized the heaviness of the task - to help this realm escape the powers of a bitter man who wanted to keep them secluded from everything, continuing the work of ill intent. If they wanted to leave or explore, they couldn't. They weren't free, but captive here. It is a beautiful place, but that doesn't mean every single person wants to stay.
The faces on each of the members of the Guild looked grave. They had not suspected such scattered entries doing the harm, but she also sensed some hesitation. They were concerned about any further attempts to correct. The fear of alteration was heavy. Nothing was to be done without further research.
Master Nolan and Lady Cora were to work with her more closely. Lady Kira would be available as well. Now, Nella had company at the library each day, with Master Louver checking in frequently for updates. Nella had awakened a fear in them. She spent her days searching for phrases, while the rest of them discussed in late night meetings what best course of action was to be taken.
She heard rumors of arguments amongst them. Some thought everything should be left as is. Others thought changes needed to be written. Nella was caught in the middle, for many believed she had been brought there for a purpose. She knew she would have to step in at the right moments to clear disputes, and she did. Her neutrality became the driving force that kept the conversations moving forward, rather than hitting a stalemate.
One thing she noticed was how they all respected each other deeply, and let one another speak. In a graceful manner, they each gave one another a turn. However, when one had the floor to speak, their voice was full of strong reasons why they thought their way was the best for the realm.
If she had been brought here for a purpose, it was to help them acquire freedom, at least to have the option to come and go. And she knew she would help with every ounce of attention she had.
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