Fourteen, a magical number

‘Fourteen is the universal number upon which all magic is based…for the Valleur. It is true the rest of the universe also regards the number as important, but they essay various reasons. We build fourteen sacred sites per world in keeping with that philosophy, and that is also the first tradition. The second is the order in which these sites are erected; first the Lifesource, then the Throne-room and thereafter the rest. The third tradition is the passing of the Dragon from Vallorin to heir at the appointed time, although it is understood it is more than just symbolic tradition. The fourth is the safekeeping of the Oracles; the fifth, the scrying of a newborn’s name and the sixth is this ceremony of today. The seventh is the learning of sorcery beyond what we inherently know. The eighth is the absolute autonomy of the Vallorin; we are not, nor were we ever, a democracy. The Vallorin is the power. The ninth is Nemisin’s runes, to be known only to the House of Valla, and the tenth is our longevity both natural and enhanced through the ages by what we know. The eleventh is our total intolerance of evil…’ He stumbled there, but recovered well. ‘The twelfth is a belief in prophecy and the thirteenth…well, we regard ourselves as master-builders, and build with heart, soul and magic. And the fourteenth? For as long as one Valleur lives, we were first and will be last in all things.’

Saturday's One Line (7)

An enemy could be seen in daylight; in the darkness of Lucan hearing counted for everything.

Universal Hour

Much can occur in an hour and did that final hour of that universal day, although the results would only be evident later. Big things, little things, all part of the whole.

In the Star Chamber there was no night or day, yet it felt like night with day awaiting. For Tristamil anyway; for all he knew it would always be dark now for Tymall. The twins continued to wrangle, although it was largely Tymall doing the talking, beseeching almost, attempting as he was to sway Tristamil to his path. Tris allowed him the voice, hoping hearing the futility of his imprecations his brother would hark to the disaster he was falling prey to. Despite all he’d seen and heard, Tris still wished his brother this final opportunity.

On Urac and Karakan it was deep night and, under cover of that darkness, armies mobilised. Vast numbers, Murs and Mysor would move out with the coming of daylight.

On Lucan tiny shadows flitted among the trees to stop and stare anxiously at the enormous traveller. At their head Thundor beckoned. He’d lead them aboard and hope for the return of the crew. Thundor was taking his people out of the Forbidden Zone.

The small Mysor force vacated Plural, recalled to Karakan.

Outside the Star Chamber, Kallanon paced, willing the hour gone so the next step could be taken. Watchers harked to the Murs and their movements.

The new day promised many things and foremost among those was change.

mist

Tuesday's One Word (6)

impenetrable

- Permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter

Anonymous Elegy to the Reader – Hypnerotomachia Poliphili

Gentle reader, hear Poliphilo tells his dreams,
Dreams sent by the highest heaven.
You will not waste your labour, nor will listening irk you,
For this wonderful work abounds in so many things.
If, grave and dour, you despise love stories,
Know, I pray, that things are well ordered herein.
You refuse? But at least style, with its novel language,
Grave discourse and wisdom, commands attention.
If you refuse this, too, note the geometry,
The ancient things expressed in Nilotic signs...
Here you will see the perfect palaces of kings,
The worship of nymphs, fountains and rich banquets.
The guards dance, dressed in motley and the whole
Of human life is expressed in dark labyrinths.

Saturday's One Line (6)

‘I have had a long road…’ Torrullin paused and then leaned in close and whispered only for Neolone’s ears, ‘far, far longer than yours.’

Authonomy Comments (6)

'This is excellent. I was hooked from the last three words of your prologue - 'He was wrong', that made me laugh just as it sent shivers up my spine...honestly, there is just such attention to detail, yet smooth flow of prose and realism of setting. You write with your own voice. I look forward to see where you take this. All the best with getting published. You really deserve it!' - Ani

The One

‘Goddess.’ Levin started to shake. ‘We heard of the One; he is Nemisin’s foretelling! One such as I will come, ages hence…and we tried to kill him!’

Vannis was grim. ‘You cannot kill him. No one can kill him. He is Immortal, he is Enchanter, Destroyer, Keeper of the Dragon, Dome Dragon and, Levin, I have never told anyone this- he is a Walker of Realms. However, that is his tale. All you have to remember is that he will do what must be done to the Dragon Neolone and then you must remember you are Valleur and he is Vallorin, with a bloodline to continue the Valla heritage. Somewhere along the way Atreidi will need to acknowledge him as supreme ruler, for he will not cast you adrift. He does not expect automatic loyalty; he will wait for you to discover it yourselves. Despite what I revealed, do not fear him…not as his name implies.’

‘So we should fear him?’ Levin said softly.

Vannis frowned and scrubbed at his face in irritation. ‘I am not explaining well…’

‘Perhaps the Vallorin can do so. Where is he?’

Vannis sighed again. ‘Gone.’

Autumn

Tuesday's One Word (5)

Sundered

- Break apart or in two, using violence

Saturday's One Line (5)

'I do believe, boys, your father aims to, er, appropriate a ship,’ Cat murmured.