Blog of Author J Lenni Dorner: Independent #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Independent #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

Perhaps that would have been the end of it. Jaildarn might have gone back with Khryos and I might have never seen him again. The day might not have stuck in my mind.

Perhaps that would have been better. How many people would still be alive?

I was a level three when I next saw Jaildarn. By then, I could swing a pickaxe, scale our highest mountain, and hold a boulder over my head. I almost didn't recognize Jaildarn. Though still gaunt, he was now tall. His hair was as gold as his jewel, but now clean, well-kept, and braided down to his waist. His nose and chin reminded me of mountain peaks. Those broad shoulders, now clad in decent clothing, tipped me off to his identity.

"Jaildarn? After all this time?"

"Ah, Belp. Surprised to see me still alive and full of purpose?"

I laugh at the words, but he does not. Really, I'm more surprised that he smells pleasant and appears clean. "I am glad of it. What brings you here today?"

He holds up a sketch kit. "The people of your village broke through to an unexplored cavern. There is talk of an extraordinary find hidden there. Your Purple was obligated to report that information so a Gold would be summoned. Here I am."

"Here you are," I mutter. "I was not part of the team that found the cavern. That's Reyrigo, the first of our generation to become a level four. You can't miss him, he's nearly as big as the mountain, with boulders built under his skin."

I wasn't weak. But Reyrigo made everyone look puny. He had to rebuild his house twice already because he accidentally knocked it down while stretching. Stone that had stood for many generations fell because he yawned and extended his arms.

Jaildarn examines his fingernails. "Fascinating," he mutters. That skinny frame couldn't be more opposite. He glides past me as though I'm not there.

"We could eat together later, if you want."

He glances back at me. "I have no need of your help."

I ball up my fists. "Help? I just wanted to share a meal and engage in polite conversation. It isn't help."

"Very well, if there's time." Jaildarn turns and heads away.

I do not see him for the rest of the day. The Colorless sound the chimes for the final food before sleep. I go, unsure if Jaildarn will join me or not. Once my cup and bowl are filled, I take a spot at a hexagonal table. Reyrigo and his team march in.

"Better be enough food for us!" Reyrigo jests as he grabs a bowl.

I wave at Jaildarn, who trailed behind the team. He slightly nods his head in my direction. It's barely an interaction, but Reyrigo notices it.

"Ah, Belp, you know our Gold?"

I choke as I swallow my food too fast. Reyrigo smacks me on the back, dislodging the food. I cough a few times and take a drink before replying that I do know him. Reyrigo sees this as an invitation. He takes the seat beside me, sets his overfilled bowl down, and motions to a Colorless.

"Spilled my drink. Fill another cup for me?" He pulls another seat over and props one of his huge legs up on it.

"That new opening is massive, Belp. Wait until you see it. Need to make the cavern safer first, though. Holes so big, you'd fall right through. I got caught in one earlier. That Gold, I'm not sure how he managed to get around. How do you know each other?"

I nibble on my bread. There are nuts and dried, tart fruits baked into today's loaves. "We met when we were level twos. Jaildarn was here with a Gold level four."

"That his name? I didn't ask." He hollers to him. "Jaildarn! Hey, get your food and come on over!"

The Colorless he had spoken to earlier brings him two cups, filled to the brim, and takes away his empty.

"You know they aren't supposed to serve us. They are Masters of nutrition and food preparation. Early people had to live without them. We should be grateful they exist."

Reyrigo claps me on the shoulder, squeezing with his massive hand. "This is a Brown village. Any other jewels here serve us, our needs. Get your head on straight, Belp."

Jaildarn sets his modest meal down across from us. "There are no Colorless among the Golds. We tend to our own needs and desires, as we value being independent."

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation?

QUESTION -- Does Reyrigo seem like a "good guy" or a "bad guy" based on this scene?

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

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