The Spinner’s Writ: The People Are Born, Part 4
Trunk cowered before
the stern Child.
But he said, “I was jealous
of her musical skill.
I coveted this ability.
I was overwhelmed by
the power of the music.
I lashed out because I felt that
I would never make
something so wondrous.
If I can not do this thing,
why should she?”
A Child stepped forward.
They were entirely shrouded
by a voluminous cloak
the trim of which glittered
with thousands of gems.
Fluttering sounded though the cloak
as though it contained a
cauldron of bats and a
parliament of owls.
Their voice screeched
from within the hood,
“I am Greedy Noble.
I claim responsibility for
instilling jealousy
and greed within the People.
I did this thing,
but the idea was given to me
by Glory and Ruin.”
They gestured to the last remaining
Child that had not yet named themselves.
They stepped forward and said,
“I am Glory and Ruin.”
They wore naught.
Their arms and torso
were akin to a human’s.
Their breasts were bare,
but from the waist down was
a great tail of a serpent.
From their back stretched two
majestic wings of many hued feathers.
One hand held a battered sword.
The other held the scepter of victory.
Their brow bled freely
soaking a cloth bandage
tied about their head.
Glory and Ruin said, “The People should not
live in a pleasant and neutral fashion.
There must be the cavern of ruin
and the pinnacle of glory.
The People can be at either extreme
or somewhere in between.
They will thrive on the succor
of conflicts both minor and tragic.”
Wise Vengeance said,
“I judge this motive to be good.
I see that you have
good intentions for The People.
We shall see if your design proves fruitful.
Perhaps the People will wither.
I am interested in the outcome,
whichever it might be.
The Children shall not be punished.”
With tears in her eyes,
Cloud asked, “Will there be no justice for me?
Surely, Trunk must be punished.”
Wise Vengeance sighed and said,
“The People exist to please the Children.
You were given to us to quell boredom.
I am not concerned with your feelings.
I will say no more on this matter.”
“Follow me, People.
I would like to share with you
one of my favorite pursuits.
We will hunt for animals.
I will show you this so that
you may feed yourselves.
When we are done, the Lady of Rain
will teach you to create shelter.”