Excerpt day one.
Echoes of Yesterday and Tomorrow.
Chapter 1 Sanctuary: John
On his way home from school John saw a crowd gathered in front of town hall and went to join it. There was a man on the steps talking of dragons and a village in the mountains. John got so caught up in the story that he did not know his grandfather was around until he felt the cuff on the head.
“What you doing wool gathering?” P said, “You have better things to be doing with your time boy.”
John looked up, “I just wanted to know what was going on. I”
P “Yes, yes. Young boys and their endless curiosity. Of course. Well it is just another lie spinner. How I wish folks would learn not to encourage them. Now you know.”
John said, “He,” pointing to the man on the steps, “said it was all true. That he had been to the mountains.”
P shook his head and chuckled. Then raising his voice said. “Let me guess aid he had found a lost valley full of dragons and horses in the mountains. Didn’t he?” He noted that he had the attention of most gathered. “Thought as much. One of these fools turns up every few years. Spinning their lies and sending the weak ones to the mountains in search of myths. I wish it was true, could be true as much as you do but my years tell me better.”
John said, “Why do they keep coming if it is all just a lie? I mean where does it come from. You said all stories had a starting place.”
P looked at his grandson and said. “So you do listen sometimes. If only you did more of that. Come I need to sit.” With that he moved to a bench, pleased to see that a fair number of the kids had fowled with his grandson. Once he had taken a seat he studied his audience trying to think of the best way to make his point. “The tell has its roots in a mistake. An error of judgment. But one that was made from the best of reasons. You all have learned of our founding.” Nods went around. “Well there is a bit left out about those first years. For as you know the trip here, into the unknown was a long and less tan safe trip. Not all were strong enough for such a journey. There minds could not handle the lose of all they had known. Even as necessary as it was. Some of those lost souls started seeing things that weren’t. A lot were driving into the mountains by theses visions. Claiming, like that man, that they had seen dragons there. A few even decide that they could cast spells. Believe it or not. The founders did what they could to keep the stories quiet, after all they did not need others to be overcome by these tells and madness was not as understood. It was thought to be like a cold, something easily passed from one to anther. But it was to late to many had heard the talk. Seen the folks wonder into the mountains. So they felt that it was a cover up, an attempt to hide the truth.” There were a few chuckles from those listening.
He nodded. "Indeed it sounds silly. Who could believe such things? Yet think on how you felt listing to that guy on the steps. How many of you wished it was true. Thought, just in that moment, that it could be.” There were a bunch of guilt faces. “That is what I thought. Now remember this was years ago. It was history in you my great grandfathers time. Things were not as they are today. Not only was science less understood, and remember the carts used to bring there belongs here had to be helped along by there elephants. The motors were not strong enough to move them alone. But also a large number had been denied any learning at all. They could not read there name, little own understand the laws of flight. They saw no reason that there could not be beings like dragons. As to the magic, well that was just common since. To them. That was the reason they were given for why the season changed. For why crops grew, for anything really. That was how they were controlled. Now true pains had been taken to explain to them the truth, to give them the real knowledge. But it was hard for the older ones to understand, to believe. Oh they knew that the marks on paper where importuned. That was why they had made the trek, so that they could be free to learn the marks themselves. But that did not mean they were prepared for what all it would mean. That they were ready for change.
“It was in this segment, those that would become the farmers, the ones who live on the edges, that the lies took root. If only those who had taken to the mountains had returned. Then the stories would have died, or if the leaders had not been so fast to condemn. However as it is they hung on and are still told as truth around the table in some of the houses. Those are by and large the same families that fight the school attendance laws. Sad truly, I just wish they would try and understand. We only want to help.”
One of the listeners said. “How can they believe in magic? It just is not logical.”
P answered with a sad shake of his head. “When you denie the teachings of science it is easy to believe in magic. I know it is hard to believe. Here try this. You have know idea what gun powder is. Have never seen an explosion before. But you do know thunder and lighting. One day a stranger shows up carrying this funny stick that has a hole in it. You laugh as it looks so flimsy. Then the strangers raises it and produces a loud sound from it and makes a whole in a tree, or kills a rhino. What would you think?” P paused, letting them think it over.
He was planing on continuing his monologue but to his surprise John spoke up. “I remember a time when I was around a corner and heard a gun fire. It sounded like thunder and I was searching for the storm cloud until I saw the gun. If I was that man, I would think that the stranger had called, made, thunder with his funny stick.” P nodded. The boy had a head, if only he would use it more. John went on. “Now he likely doesn’t know what makes thunder. If I remember right a lot of the olders thought that thunder was made by beings who lived in the sky, and controlled everything.”
One of the others popped in, “I think they called them gods? Some had bunches some only had one?”
John went one. “So that meant that the stranger could command some of the gods power. That would be magic, what else could it be? As far as her could know? Right?”
P nodded. “That’s it. That is where magic comes from. It was a way to make since of the laws before they were understood. Now with the untaught folks who made the trip. Well it was a but different. They had been taught that magic was real by the leaders. It was shameful, but alas it is true. The leaders thought it right to limit knowledge and truth to only a select number of people. That wrong thinking played a big role in why our ancestors left. For they could see that passing of lies as truth could only cause pain.”
“But just how could they hide the truth? I know you said that reading and writing were kept from them, but surly they had health care? Would that have given them a bit of truth?”
“Sadly no.” P said, “The only ones who were permitted to treat them were ones who would go along with the lies. They passed of the treatment as magic. They would chant as they checked over the sick person and then call medicines potions. That is in the few cases that were lucky enough to be treated. Most were left on their own. It was not a good time. So many were allowed to die needlessly. Even with the lack of knowledge they had. For at that time there were few who understood what cell was. DNA was unheard of. It would be years until the truths of genetics were discovered. It would have been less time if the know truths were not so withheld. Why it was even allowed that this planet was the center of all. Every thing went around it. All it would have taken. But that was a dark time.”
“Still though how could so many have been taken in? and why the dragons? How did that fit?” A voice out of the group asked.
P sat for a bit looking at his hands. “Well that is hard to know. It was so long ago. What is thought though is that the lies were just so ingrained in the older ones that they were easier to accept then the truth. Between the strain of the trip, and this new land they were looking for anything familiar that they could latch onto. Some found it in the lies of dragons and magic. It sound of home to them. Made them feel comfortable. Like a blanket or a toy a child takes on his first trip to anther of the six cities. It felt safe. So I can see it would have caught on. Then sad thing is how this lead some to take to the mountains. Remember they came from a flat land. None of them knew a thing about the mountains. Not even the bit we know now. So of course they did not return. That left behind, those who had wanted to make the trip but could not, do to young kids or illness. Well they were wondering what had happened to them and those who lived for a good conspiracy theory, yes there were some even back then, were on hand with an answer. One that the leaders gave wait to by trying to silence. One that was far more friendly than the truth. For as we know truth is not kind, nor curl it just is. But some truths are harder to swallow than others. As I well know. Any way the theory. They, as O said, claimed that the leaders where trying to cover things up. Well what they said was that the ones who had left had found a town that was all ready in the built in the mountains. A town that was populated by dragons as well as people.” There was out right laughter. “I know it sounds silly. But there are two things to remember. One is the visions that sent them to the mountains. They were of dragons, and other things that have been forgot.”
“I bet there was a griffin. May be even a horse. No doubt a stack of gold, or such as well.” Scoffed one listener.
P said. “No doubt. I don’t think dragons alone would do it. Likely something to do with magic as well. Those poor folks. It gets worse I fear. Remember there was a good bit they were just learning about the world. Even the learned among them would look like fools if compared to a modern student, little own one of our scholars.” He paused and took a drink, giving them time to think this over.
“So are you saying even some of the learned were fooled by lies?”
P said not so much fooled so much as not having the knowledge to tell that they were lies. Oh they did not think there were dragons in the mountains. They knew better than that. But the mechanics of flight were just being unlocked. There were some learned people who thought that dragons were a lot like what we know horses to be. That’s right it was a common belief that there had once been giant flying lizard like beings, but that they had all died. There were many different explanations as to why they ceased to be. The most popular was that there just was not enough food for them. They starved or moved put to the stars. The stars were a favorite. They blamed the night lights on the dragons taking to the stars. But anyway as it was not then fully known that it would be impossible for anything that big to fly. So when asked they failed to say that it was impossible that there were dragons in the mountains. Instead they said it was highly unlikely and that was all it took. The legend was validated as far as they were concerned. Sad times those were. But eventual it was quieted down and put to rest. Most families came to see the truth. Just a few holdouts. Those that fear the schools, fear they change children into someone else. As though anyone could be. But that is an adult augment. Nothing you kids will need worry your heads about for a few years yet. Enough for you to know that it is in this few homes that the story has held on down though the years. That is why it keeps popping up. They are hopping to get more believers.”
One of the teens said. “They deny the truth? But the evidence is all around them? How can they not see?”
P said, “They were raised to believe different things. They do not, or seldom, attend school for more than a year or two, if that. Then they stay on the farms. Unlike others there parents do not teach them, or not as we know it. Not beyond the basics of reading. Feeling that is all their children need. They prefer to keep older customs, older ways. For the most part they stick to there own. They are quite, if a bit deluded.”
The teen spoke again. “Why do we put up with them? Refusing education! Sounds like abuse to me.”
P shook his head. “We came here, our ancestors, for freedom. Part of that is allowing parents the right to raise their children how they wish. Provide that the child is well and healthy there is no abuse. Everyone has the right to an education but none is forced to take it. However until a child is thirteen it is the parent’s choice. After that it is the child’s. If the parent then interferes the child can seek shelter. And that we do make certain all children of age know. But if we forced the truth on them, they would resent it. That is no way to come to understanding. Resentment breads hate not love. Truth needs love to grow and with out growth it is worthless. Remember that. Now I am sure you all have other places to be. You have wasted enough time listening to this old husk. Off with you now”
Chapter 1 Sanctuary: John
On his way home from school John saw a crowd gathered in front of town hall and went to join it. There was a man on the steps talking of dragons and a village in the mountains. John got so caught up in the story that he did not know his grandfather was around until he felt the cuff on the head.
“What you doing wool gathering?” P said, “You have better things to be doing with your time boy.”
John looked up, “I just wanted to know what was going on. I”
P “Yes, yes. Young boys and their endless curiosity. Of course. Well it is just another lie spinner. How I wish folks would learn not to encourage them. Now you know.”
John said, “He,” pointing to the man on the steps, “said it was all true. That he had been to the mountains.”
P shook his head and chuckled. Then raising his voice said. “Let me guess aid he had found a lost valley full of dragons and horses in the mountains. Didn’t he?” He noted that he had the attention of most gathered. “Thought as much. One of these fools turns up every few years. Spinning their lies and sending the weak ones to the mountains in search of myths. I wish it was true, could be true as much as you do but my years tell me better.”
John said, “Why do they keep coming if it is all just a lie? I mean where does it come from. You said all stories had a starting place.”
P looked at his grandson and said. “So you do listen sometimes. If only you did more of that. Come I need to sit.” With that he moved to a bench, pleased to see that a fair number of the kids had fowled with his grandson. Once he had taken a seat he studied his audience trying to think of the best way to make his point. “The tell has its roots in a mistake. An error of judgment. But one that was made from the best of reasons. You all have learned of our founding.” Nods went around. “Well there is a bit left out about those first years. For as you know the trip here, into the unknown was a long and less tan safe trip. Not all were strong enough for such a journey. There minds could not handle the lose of all they had known. Even as necessary as it was. Some of those lost souls started seeing things that weren’t. A lot were driving into the mountains by theses visions. Claiming, like that man, that they had seen dragons there. A few even decide that they could cast spells. Believe it or not. The founders did what they could to keep the stories quiet, after all they did not need others to be overcome by these tells and madness was not as understood. It was thought to be like a cold, something easily passed from one to anther. But it was to late to many had heard the talk. Seen the folks wonder into the mountains. So they felt that it was a cover up, an attempt to hide the truth.” There were a few chuckles from those listening.
He nodded. "Indeed it sounds silly. Who could believe such things? Yet think on how you felt listing to that guy on the steps. How many of you wished it was true. Thought, just in that moment, that it could be.” There were a bunch of guilt faces. “That is what I thought. Now remember this was years ago. It was history in you my great grandfathers time. Things were not as they are today. Not only was science less understood, and remember the carts used to bring there belongs here had to be helped along by there elephants. The motors were not strong enough to move them alone. But also a large number had been denied any learning at all. They could not read there name, little own understand the laws of flight. They saw no reason that there could not be beings like dragons. As to the magic, well that was just common since. To them. That was the reason they were given for why the season changed. For why crops grew, for anything really. That was how they were controlled. Now true pains had been taken to explain to them the truth, to give them the real knowledge. But it was hard for the older ones to understand, to believe. Oh they knew that the marks on paper where importuned. That was why they had made the trek, so that they could be free to learn the marks themselves. But that did not mean they were prepared for what all it would mean. That they were ready for change.
“It was in this segment, those that would become the farmers, the ones who live on the edges, that the lies took root. If only those who had taken to the mountains had returned. Then the stories would have died, or if the leaders had not been so fast to condemn. However as it is they hung on and are still told as truth around the table in some of the houses. Those are by and large the same families that fight the school attendance laws. Sad truly, I just wish they would try and understand. We only want to help.”
One of the listeners said. “How can they believe in magic? It just is not logical.”
P answered with a sad shake of his head. “When you denie the teachings of science it is easy to believe in magic. I know it is hard to believe. Here try this. You have know idea what gun powder is. Have never seen an explosion before. But you do know thunder and lighting. One day a stranger shows up carrying this funny stick that has a hole in it. You laugh as it looks so flimsy. Then the strangers raises it and produces a loud sound from it and makes a whole in a tree, or kills a rhino. What would you think?” P paused, letting them think it over.
He was planing on continuing his monologue but to his surprise John spoke up. “I remember a time when I was around a corner and heard a gun fire. It sounded like thunder and I was searching for the storm cloud until I saw the gun. If I was that man, I would think that the stranger had called, made, thunder with his funny stick.” P nodded. The boy had a head, if only he would use it more. John went on. “Now he likely doesn’t know what makes thunder. If I remember right a lot of the olders thought that thunder was made by beings who lived in the sky, and controlled everything.”
One of the others popped in, “I think they called them gods? Some had bunches some only had one?”
John went one. “So that meant that the stranger could command some of the gods power. That would be magic, what else could it be? As far as her could know? Right?”
P nodded. “That’s it. That is where magic comes from. It was a way to make since of the laws before they were understood. Now with the untaught folks who made the trip. Well it was a but different. They had been taught that magic was real by the leaders. It was shameful, but alas it is true. The leaders thought it right to limit knowledge and truth to only a select number of people. That wrong thinking played a big role in why our ancestors left. For they could see that passing of lies as truth could only cause pain.”
“But just how could they hide the truth? I know you said that reading and writing were kept from them, but surly they had health care? Would that have given them a bit of truth?”
“Sadly no.” P said, “The only ones who were permitted to treat them were ones who would go along with the lies. They passed of the treatment as magic. They would chant as they checked over the sick person and then call medicines potions. That is in the few cases that were lucky enough to be treated. Most were left on their own. It was not a good time. So many were allowed to die needlessly. Even with the lack of knowledge they had. For at that time there were few who understood what cell was. DNA was unheard of. It would be years until the truths of genetics were discovered. It would have been less time if the know truths were not so withheld. Why it was even allowed that this planet was the center of all. Every thing went around it. All it would have taken. But that was a dark time.”
“Still though how could so many have been taken in? and why the dragons? How did that fit?” A voice out of the group asked.
P sat for a bit looking at his hands. “Well that is hard to know. It was so long ago. What is thought though is that the lies were just so ingrained in the older ones that they were easier to accept then the truth. Between the strain of the trip, and this new land they were looking for anything familiar that they could latch onto. Some found it in the lies of dragons and magic. It sound of home to them. Made them feel comfortable. Like a blanket or a toy a child takes on his first trip to anther of the six cities. It felt safe. So I can see it would have caught on. Then sad thing is how this lead some to take to the mountains. Remember they came from a flat land. None of them knew a thing about the mountains. Not even the bit we know now. So of course they did not return. That left behind, those who had wanted to make the trip but could not, do to young kids or illness. Well they were wondering what had happened to them and those who lived for a good conspiracy theory, yes there were some even back then, were on hand with an answer. One that the leaders gave wait to by trying to silence. One that was far more friendly than the truth. For as we know truth is not kind, nor curl it just is. But some truths are harder to swallow than others. As I well know. Any way the theory. They, as O said, claimed that the leaders where trying to cover things up. Well what they said was that the ones who had left had found a town that was all ready in the built in the mountains. A town that was populated by dragons as well as people.” There was out right laughter. “I know it sounds silly. But there are two things to remember. One is the visions that sent them to the mountains. They were of dragons, and other things that have been forgot.”
“I bet there was a griffin. May be even a horse. No doubt a stack of gold, or such as well.” Scoffed one listener.
P said. “No doubt. I don’t think dragons alone would do it. Likely something to do with magic as well. Those poor folks. It gets worse I fear. Remember there was a good bit they were just learning about the world. Even the learned among them would look like fools if compared to a modern student, little own one of our scholars.” He paused and took a drink, giving them time to think this over.
“So are you saying even some of the learned were fooled by lies?”
P said not so much fooled so much as not having the knowledge to tell that they were lies. Oh they did not think there were dragons in the mountains. They knew better than that. But the mechanics of flight were just being unlocked. There were some learned people who thought that dragons were a lot like what we know horses to be. That’s right it was a common belief that there had once been giant flying lizard like beings, but that they had all died. There were many different explanations as to why they ceased to be. The most popular was that there just was not enough food for them. They starved or moved put to the stars. The stars were a favorite. They blamed the night lights on the dragons taking to the stars. But anyway as it was not then fully known that it would be impossible for anything that big to fly. So when asked they failed to say that it was impossible that there were dragons in the mountains. Instead they said it was highly unlikely and that was all it took. The legend was validated as far as they were concerned. Sad times those were. But eventual it was quieted down and put to rest. Most families came to see the truth. Just a few holdouts. Those that fear the schools, fear they change children into someone else. As though anyone could be. But that is an adult augment. Nothing you kids will need worry your heads about for a few years yet. Enough for you to know that it is in this few homes that the story has held on down though the years. That is why it keeps popping up. They are hopping to get more believers.”
One of the teens said. “They deny the truth? But the evidence is all around them? How can they not see?”
P said, “They were raised to believe different things. They do not, or seldom, attend school for more than a year or two, if that. Then they stay on the farms. Unlike others there parents do not teach them, or not as we know it. Not beyond the basics of reading. Feeling that is all their children need. They prefer to keep older customs, older ways. For the most part they stick to there own. They are quite, if a bit deluded.”
The teen spoke again. “Why do we put up with them? Refusing education! Sounds like abuse to me.”
P shook his head. “We came here, our ancestors, for freedom. Part of that is allowing parents the right to raise their children how they wish. Provide that the child is well and healthy there is no abuse. Everyone has the right to an education but none is forced to take it. However until a child is thirteen it is the parent’s choice. After that it is the child’s. If the parent then interferes the child can seek shelter. And that we do make certain all children of age know. But if we forced the truth on them, they would resent it. That is no way to come to understanding. Resentment breads hate not love. Truth needs love to grow and with out growth it is worthless. Remember that. Now I am sure you all have other places to be. You have wasted enough time listening to this old husk. Off with you now”
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