(Part I , III)
Spectators continued to wander over to the Circle. An hour passed without an examiner heaving into view in their regalia and Steffan started to worry. He had heard tales of pipers waiting days for their exams on occasion, as a test of their courage and determination.
Troos remained high in the sky and the circle heated. A jingling was heard from the west as people approached. Steffan barely moved from his ritual waiting stance. Over the last two hours he had become welded to the spot, trapped in an almost meditative state as the world span overhead, mirroring the memories surging up from the bottom of his heart.
Six years ago, his parents had sponsored him for entrance into the Pipers Guild. He hadn't passed the the assessment exam but eventually got in on the third attempt. Something must have happened after that success as he had progressed quickly in his craft. And now, one year ahead of schedule, it was time to pay the pipers with a song.
Long ago, the founders of Burgh had design the Circle as the grandest outdoor arena on their world, and still it was spectacular. The jingling was still there and nearing. The crowd split apart to allow the judges through and closed respectfully behind them once again. The three Masters approached and with them came the peril of failure. As per tradition, one opposing Master in red, one supporting in blue, and one to moderate in mildest grey.
The three Masters came to a halt and saluted Steffan. They took their places against the three Stones of Mastery and indicated the beginning. Steffan raised his pipes, and began to play.
Overhead, Troos continued to turn as the music rolled on and on...
Plan formed, so there shall be more...
No comments:
Post a Comment