The Lone Horse in the Water

[tjac]

some fiction I wrote...


And so it came to be that I’Der, infuriated by the destruction that Arbusto recklessly inflicted upon the destitute peoples of foreign lands, summed His wrath in a great maelstrom of sea and rain and wind and unleashed it upon the innocent followers of Arbusto.

Guided by His will, the maelstrom crept upon the great city of Ez. Those with means scattered far north and west and east. But those without means could not escape the limits of Ez, and they remained, clinging to the few materials that they had.

I’Der looked upon the maelstrom and then at the city of Ez. A flag flickering of rainbow waved from one of the city’s dirtiest streets. He recalled His ancient covenant to all peoples and realized that Ez’s demise could not be complete.

I’Der looked at those who remained in Ez and saw brave Negor, who alone had the will to confront the maelstrom. He spoke unto Negor, “Gather all the willing into the giant covered Bowl, and there I will protect you from the coming storm.”

Negor asked Him, “Will its cover not be torn asunder in the wind?”

And I’Der replied to Negor’s wisdom, “By my eternal breath, I will blow the storm barely east, and you will be spared the Bowl’s collapse.”

He added, “Know that your term in the Bowl will not be without suffering, and, even as I deliver you from the maelstrom, Arbusto must deliver you from the Bowl.”

Negor gave praise to I’Der and labored to fulfill His request. With the Bowl filled, its doors then closed, and darkness came with fear to Negor and his peoples.

First the great winds came, and then the great rains came, and then the sea surged around Ez. For three days and three nights the maelstrom grew stronger and destroyed much of the city. But its eye remained safely east, sparing Negor and his people I’Der’s complete wrath.

All of this Arbusto watched from his retreat. Arbusto wondered if he would need to act. “The maelstrom is not so bad,” he said. “I will remain here and continue my war-making.”

At this, I’Der’s infuriation grew. In thunderous voice He echoed throughout the lands, “ DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND THAT I WANT YOU TO PRESERVE LIFE?”

I’Der’s words boomed and reverberated and caused the protective walls of Ez to crumble, and the surging seas broke through and drowned the city.

At this Arbusto swore, “This is unacceptable!” He rose and commanded his men to act. But they were lulled and slow, and for five days and five nights they ingratiated each other for their collective inaction.

During this time the people of Ez suffered and died and some went crazy, and Negor also swore from the Bowl, “Why have You forsaken me?”

I’Der heard Negor’s desperation and replied, “Negor, I have not forsaken you, and your people’s suffering is undeserved. I will intervene and make your rescuers act with diligence. But you must not forget this event, and make change when you first get the chance! And when you see the equine in the water, know that the worst has passed.”

Arbusto hugged a maelstrom victim and saw I’Der. He spoke, “Arbusto, know that your effected comforts have been superficial, and, as you are bound to relieve the people of Ez, your own relief is shortly due. If you fail to deliver Negor and his people, only more maelstroms will follow.”

At this Arbusto cringed, and he began to make change. Arbusto visited Negor, and in respectful pretense they spoke of angry things. They parted, and as Negor crossed the flooded highway which left Ez, he saw the solitary horse.