Cheilin Saga ~ 24

 Cheilin Saga ~ 24  1^st Day of the Games 

By Len Morgan 

Meredin marched at the head of the honour guard, going over the route again, looking for potential last minute hitches - material changes on the route that warranted further investigation.   At the intersection of ‘E1’ and ‘C20’ the route was blocked by the newly erected viewing stand, an hour past it had been a pile of wood and metal poles.   On the inauguration day of each series of Games, the stand was erected anew, the Emperor’s party would view the activities from above, and in turn, could be viewed by the populace.  

 “Troop halt!” his sergeant barked, “Easy… fall out!”

He sat in the shade of the temporary structure watching in fascination as the half-naked mahogany skinned erectors, acted as one, to create a stairway to the upper levels.   The truly amazing thing in his mind was the way they scurried about, barefoot on the skeletal framework, each intent on completing their own task knowing instinctively when to act and when to wait.   Each action was complex and dependent upon the timely execution of a series of others; each to be completed in its set order.   Just one step omitted would result in the whole fluid sequence of events grinding to a halt; speed was of the essence.  He watched the elaborate dance, with undisguised admiration, as it was enacted, at incredible speed, before him with not a word spoken.   He glanced at his troop and wondered how many commands they would require to duplicate it; doubting they would ever be able to do so.

Seeing the gaffer, with bundled plans crushed under his arm, Meredin walked over and stood beside him.   The gaffer acknowledged him with a nod.

“Sir, pardon my intrusion on your work, but I would ask a question of you,” he said.

“My work is done; it’s for them to act it out now Major.”

“How then do you convey your requirements to the workers up there?   I have watched and listened.   But for the regular beat of your drum, there are no commands issued by anyone.   So how do they know what to do and when?”

The gaffer rubbed his bristly chin and smiled.  

“Looking at them, what does it remind you of,” he said.

“A dance, a strange one I’ll grant, to the rhythm of a drum.”

“That is very perceptive; many would not even think to associate the drum with the work.   If you knew how many times they have erected this stand over the years, you would realise they can do it in their sleep or in pitch darkness.   There are twelve journeyman riggers aloft and six prentice riggers below who understudy them.”

“Understudy?”

 “They watch every move the riggers make until they can do it as well.   Each week they replace a different rigger, to extend their experience, and confidence.”

“But, there are twelve men aloft but only three prentices,” Meredin protested.

“No!   there are three prentices below and three above, while three journeymen are off duty.   I’ll wager five coppers you cannot pick two of the prentices as they work above” he said with pride.

Meredin looked long and hard, then shook his head,

“They are good for sure.   I can’t pick a one.   How do they remember so many jobs?”

“If you look carefully you will see there are three teams of four aloft.   Two prentices watch the moves of each team, so we have two supports for each team.   In case of accident, sickness, or if a man leaves, there is always a stand-in and a replacement.   It is a very demanding job but it pays well and there are queues of hopefuls waiting their chance on this team,” he said with pride.

“Mmm,” said Meredin, a seedling germinating in his mind.   He continued watching with renewed interest.

“Sir, the men are waiting,” said his sergeant patiently.   He hadn’t even heard them forming up.

Watch well men, see how they work as a team.   You may well be watching the future of  the Red Guard.”

On the beat or alternate beat, each team carried out a series of actions or moved to a new location.   It all worked like clockwork until one man dropped a tool.

“Ho!” he yelled and for one series of beats the teams did not move, while the man completed his activity, then the dance continued.

“That’ll cost him,” the gaffer remarked.

“Why so, you can hardly fine a man for the loss of half a minute, and the others should be grateful for the rest…”

“Ah you misunderstand,” he said with a smile, “It will be his companions he will have to pay.   It’s his fellows who will not allow him to forget, the ale they drink tonight will be paid for from his pocket, it will be a long time before he forgets that slip.   It’s a rare occurrence and now you know why,” he chuckled.

“Do you ever envy the freedom they enjoy, up there,” asked Meredin.

In answer, the man stood and limped towards him, “I was the best until my fall.”

.-…-. 

As the cavalcade formed up in readiness for the arrival of the royal party, Aldor saw a man he did not know, within stabbing distance of Dan.

“Who is that young man,” he asked.

“He is Hestor’s replacement, appointed by the high council, to act as his steward, secretary, advisor, and confidante,” said Tyse.

“How long has he been working in the palace?”

“About seven years in all, in low profile positions.”

“Are you sure about him Tyse.”

“As sure as I can be of an outsider.”    “I would be happier if Hestor were back.”

“You do not think Hestor is our man?” Aldor asked.

“I never liked the man, too stuffy and officious by far, but he is loyal and his interests have always coincided with those of the Emperor.

“So,” Aldor pushed.

“I don’t think the man capable of treachery, not at all.”

“Then we have work on our hands,” said Aldor, “if it is not Hestor we need to know who it is.”

“You would back my instincts?”

“I would be a fool if I did not.   The parade is about to leave, on who would you wager?   Quickly, man, all our lives are at stake” said Aldor.   The new secretary mayhap?   Or Zophira, what of my look alike?”

Tyse was silent. 

“Think on it long and hard,” Aldor said as he hurried away to see to the carriage.

.-…-. 

“Good day to you Aldor,” Dan’s greeting was light and friendly.   “Tell me how am I to be assassinated, and by whom?”

“The popular vote seems to favour my double to be your executioner.   But, a close second favourite seems to be a high profile concubine of one of the princes of your line…”

“Ah Zophira, such a creature never graced my bed.   It is unseemly to envy the young but one look at her…” his face broke into a distant smile, “it would almost be worth it, and certainly natural causes, that would let you off the hook eh my friend?”

“According to other sources your new steward cum secretary,” he gazed meaningfully at Raynor, sidestepping Dan’s jibe, “is a close third favourite,” said Aldor.

“No money on Hestor?” Dan asked somewhat surprised.

“The smart money says no.   He is far too loyal and incorruptible,” said Aldor, “most think he simply hasn’t got the stomach for it.”

“Then why did he desert me thus?”

“Mayhap he was not given a choice, but there is one other.   A veteran of your bodyguard disappeared for two weeks and cannot recall what happened during his absence.” Said Aldor.

“It doesn’t look as though I have much chance of survival,” said Dan,” if I banished Rhynor I would die of embarrassment; you know what my dress sense is like.   If I banish Zophira I alienate my dearest flesh and heir.   If she went, he would I am sure follow her wheresoe'er she led him; he is quite besotted with her.    Finally, I’m not absolutely certain your famous double even exists.   I think you are, in reality, the monster you have been portrayed as being.   So, let us hope it will be the long suffering Bector.   Mayhap we could put him painlessly out of his misery Eh?” Dan giggled in his characteristic manner to signify he was jesting.   “Those are the only candidates?”  He chided.

“Well yes, if you discount every corrupt official you have removed from office over the last six months and the families of those who have committed suicide over the same period.   Then of course there are mission cells from Bluttland who would replace you with…”

“Yes?   Pray continue, don’t stop there, I was just warming to your confidence and positive appraisal of my future or lack thereof,” said Dan.

“I think we can remove one from the list of candidates."

"Which leaves us with?”

“Mmm,” said Aldor.

“Well man, what say you?”

“At a guess, I would say about a quarter of the cities population,” Aldor replied.

“Thank the gods; I thought you were implying that my popularity is waning,” said Dan.

 

Aldor rose from his seat and headed towards the family quarters.

“You too?” said Dan sniffing at his armpits.   “You might have told me Rhynor,” he said with a wink.   Rhynor smiled, he liked this old man, for sure, life with Dan was never dull.

 

(To be continued)

By Len Morgan