Ancient Journal 5: A Scholar’s Rant

Ancient Journal 3:  Melly Knows Best

I know the stars see me. I only wish I could see them now. They must know it is because of them that we are on this voyage. The Great Star fell, far to the north, and those who live by the stars must go to seek it. “It has begun,” the old ones said. Surely the Great Star is but the first to arrive—more will come, and when they do, we must be ready. For they are coming to take the faithful back to the skies: those who have always followed the stars will ascend to the heavens, and live among their divine kin forever. So we must go to meet the Great Star. We must learn what preparations are required, and take the tidings—and the charted course—back to our people. But how can we find the way when our ancient heavenly map has veiled itself in clouds and storms? It is not like me to be afraid. I am an experienced sea voyager; that is why they chose me. Me, and my young son—not young any more, practically a man—for we have ventured farther through these waters than any dare to go, and we always return. Even after the seas claimed my husband, we kept sailing. “How can you bear it?” my people asked, at the start of each new voyage. “How can you trust yourself to the sea when it has taken so much from you?” I could not speak, but my son smiled—his father’s smile—and gave his father’s old reply: “The sea is treacherous; but the stars are ever faithful, and they will always lead us home.” I know the stars will lead us. We are out farther now than ever before, but though the shape of the stars may change, their song remains constant. I hear my husband’s spirit—hear his whispers, even amidst the crashing of the waves and the howling of the storm. I hear his heart in my son’s voice as he comforts me. We always knew our boy is special: he not only sees the stars, but hears them, and speaks to them. “I hear them still, Mother,” he says, with that smile bright enough to light our way through the dark. “They are speaking; they are singing; they will guide us to the Great Star that has fallen. Such a gift could not be given in vain.” I believe him. I know the stars will lead us. So great a gift would not simply abandon us to vanish beneath the waves. I know the stars hear him. I know they see me. I only wish I could see them tonight.

Ancient Journal 4:

Follow the Stars