Roads

[alexander]

“These roads are dangerous”, said the hooded guide.  They stood, wrapped in a red hessian robe, with their hand held out to the traveller.  Behind them were the Roads To All Worlds – indistinct in this dark, vague landscape that the traveller had finally reached.  The traveller could see the wide, gravelled track stretching off to the left and right behind the guide, but would have to work to step around the enigmatic form.  To where did the roads lead?  Ultimately, to all worlds – but to begin?  Little was visible in this dark land.  Who walked them?  The traveller could not see – a mist rose before them, and most of the road was faded.

“Why, whither do the roads lead, guide?” asked the traveller.  “For I have given much to be at this place; but I can give more.  I am with resource.”

“They lead, oh traveller, to the Moors of Irresolution.  And should your resolve yet carry you, they pass through the Windings of All Things and None.  Maybe your mind is full ready to preserve itself through those curves – then you will face the Howling Ways.  Do not pretend you could pass further – but if any could, they would walk the Straits of Hateful Brightness.  But, none of this is your concern.  These roads are dangerous, and you are not ready for them.”

“No,” the traveller agreed.  “But I will be.”  And the traveller departed that place, but only for a time.  For the traveller was of means (all must be, that can even reach as far as that place), and their return was swift and certain.

“These roads are dangerous”, said the hooded guide, some aspect of their stance or out held arm signifying their recognition of the traveller’s return.

“So you have warned me once,” said the traveller.  “But I am now prepared.  For the Moors of Irresolution, I now wear the Amulet of True Focus, and my purpose cannot be shifted.  I carry a Map of Specificity – my way through all things and none will be well guided.  Against the Howling Ways, I carry Chimes of Tranquillity, sovereign against foul sound.  And for the Straits of Hateful Brightness, now I have – these shades.  I think they look quite good on me.  So I am well prepared for this journey, oh guide – let me pass.”

“Your preparations are manifest,” replied the guide, “but my warning you have not heeded.  For –,”

“But I heard you well enough!” quipped the traveller, and with three swift steps they darted around the guide, and then stepped with great confidence through the mists onto the gravel of the Roads To All Worlds.  And who can say if with amulet and map, chimes and shades, they might have survived the grave destinations so recounted – but that question was not to be answered.  For within mere moments of them taking a proud stance on the roads to go hither, a swift moving cart clattered from the dark mist, struck the traveller, and bore on; well breaking their leg.

“You heard me twice, but listened not at all,” quoth the guide, slowly hauling the traveller bodily back to safety.  “You prepared well for the destinations, but you’ll get nowhere close if you don’t listen when I tell you that these roads are dangerous.”