A piece of fluff. Something for the weekend, as it were.
From its vantage point high above the lower kingdom, the castle sat on top of the world like a golden eagles nest. The iridescent walls of the great tower danced in the sunlight. If one were to venture out and peer over the huge coping stones, down into the outside world where the lowly folk dwelt, a thin trail could be seen running along the wall of the valley. Like a line of worker ants, barely visible to the naked eye, people scaled the dizzy heights, hoping to eventually arrive at the great gates. To arrive and beg to be granted entry. Every year just after the summer crops had been harvested it was the same. On and on they came. If they were lucky the great doors would open ajar and the gatekeepers would listen to their feeble pleas. Then, when the word came down from the higher council, the huge timber structures would invariably be slammed brutally in the faces of the gaunt and exhausted young would be apprentices standing before them.
Just then, deep within the protected walls, there was movement. The exalted one had walked through the door into the great chamber. Scores of select common folk gathered in anticipation. Hush fell almost instantaneously. But then, even though it was almost inaudible, the faint strain of loose tongue could be heard. Ashen faced, people turned in shock. Please, no. Let this be an accident. An error of judgement, and not impudence.
“Do I have to raise my voice…?” The exalted one asked with quiet menace. He could hear the collective sharp intake of breath. Activity intensified around the feckless youth who was quickly realising the error of his ways. Secretly this power intoxicated the exalted one. In the quiet moments before these public speeches, as he stared long and hard at himself in the full length looking glass, that stood pride of place in his chamber, he was left almost speechless. Such unspeakable power and beauty. He was surely a god wrapped in mortal skin. A physical, intellectual and sexual titan.
A series of sharp elbows and scolding glances from the panicked citizens who were surrounding the loose-tongued fool had instantly brought into line. The exalted one was all knowing and all-powerful as he stared out over the sea of meek faces. A sneer sliced open his lower face, and contempt oozed out.
Just then he saw a comely young maiden gazing intently at him. Wicked, deviant thoughts danced yet again across his mind. He should take her back to his boudoir and sup at the alter of her young musk before deflowering her. His needs were as powerful and complex as ever. The faintest thickening of his member, as it pressed hard against his skilfully embroidered robes brought him back to the task and hand. Time had come for him to share the wisdom.
“The question I want you to ask yourselves is why?….” The last word hung in the air tantalisingly. Then, without a pause to gather his thoughts he spoke for almost an hour. The faces before him wrapt in attention. Those failing to heed his carefully chosen words would be found out on the day of judgement. Legend had it his wrath could reduce even the large boned physical specimens to quivering wretches. They could end up like the dribbling, toothless buffoon who cleared the rotten vegetables from the market square. Then be cast out of the great gates. Perhaps forever. On and on, his booming voice echoing out across the great chamber. And then just as quickly as he had started, silence descended as the long arm on the aged clock face settled, marking the passage of time.
“Until our next meeting….” He dismissed the assembled multitude with a contemptuous wave of his arm. He had no time for their weak and flawed opinions. He paused. His eyes lingering like a fetid tongue on the comely young maiden. Yes, she would definitely be summoned, to satiate his appetites. And then, with his work done for the week, the senior university lecturer decided it was time for a coffee before he got on with his highly lucrative private work…..
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Written by Witzl (1585 comments posted) 14th December 2006 |
So that's what those guys get up to, eh? I've always wondered! All that nonsense about working overtime, marking papers and 'counseling' students. Good thing my husband never got promoted over junior level. . .
I really enjoyed this. Somehow I suspect that you may know a fellow in this exalted position . . . |
Hi Leo
Written by jean.day (2279 comments posted) 15th December 2006 |
I appreciated this much more the second time I read it, after finding out what and who you were talking about. Very clever.
My husband is a University lecturer - and a successful one from the students' point of view. He always gives them the exam questions weeks in advance - but tells them that he will mark their scripts carefully - looking for more than the obvious. |
!!!!!
Written by wattle (117 comments posted) 15th December 2006 |
| 'Leo' this is quite cynical and a tad disturbing. I, for some reason thought you to be a shining star of optimism. I’ve always been concerned by people who display a desire to wear garments as part of the position they hold, especially funny hats. ---- Beautifully written very powerful. Thank you – regards, wattle |
Written by Fledermaus (3281 comments posted) 15th December 2006 |
I was thinking and thinking... What is he? A king? A priest? So the twist in the end certainly worked. Ironically there was just this week an event at our uni that shows how hard one can fall from this high position as the result of re-organizations...
Even the kings have their kings... |
Written by Clifftown (620 comments posted) 15th December 2006 |
I did enjoy this. I started it apprehensively thinking it was going to be a sort-of sci fi piece...but then it slowly dawned on me. Loved the sharp touch of reality in the closing line!
Perfect pre-weekend read... |
Written by Phil (6713 comments posted) 15th December 2006 |
Cleverly written stuff Leo. Enjoyed it. In any institution, there's always at least one (usually more) who struts his or her stuff.
All the best, Phil.
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Many thanks
Written by Leo (573 comments posted) 16th December 2006 |
thank you for your kind words. have a great weekend one and all.
Leo |
Got me....
Written by SammoR (111 comments posted) 16th December 2006 |
I was also tricked into thinking it was sci-fi or fantasy - although the slightly ironic tone hinted at a twist. (says he, being wise after the event).
I take it the references in the first paragraph specify that we're dealing with an Oxbridge college? 'The lower kingdom' reminds me of how people go 'up' to Oxbridge and get 'sent down'.
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Written by coosh (867 comments posted) 20th December 2006 |
| Yep, nice twist. I thought it was going to pan out to some kid on a computer game, or watching a film... As Jean says, appreciated more second time around. Well, that's one thing sorted for the week-end... only about 1000 others left. Good stuff. Cheers. |
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