The Golden Moment

 Gentle readers, as a gift from me to all of you, I offer a short holiday story set in the same world as my book, The Marvelous Land of Ap.  I hope everyone has a joyous Christmas and a fabulous New Year.

Warmest regards,
George R. Shirer

THE GOLDEN MOMENT

A Holiday Tale of the Marvelous Land of Ap

It had been a hard winter in Ap. Thick snow blanketed the land and the River Surprise had frozen, so that a fat man could walk from one bank to the other without fear of falling through the ice. The days were short, the nights were long, and both were frigid. It had been a season of raging blizzards and creeping ice-fogs. No one went outside unless it was necessary. Some people decided to take sleeping potions and snooze their way through the bitter season. Most folks remained awake, to watch the hands of the calender-clocks creep toward Spring. However, before Spring could arrive, Winter had to end, and tonight was the night of Winter’s End.

Now, Winter’s End is one of the great holidays of the marvelous Land of Ap. It’s like New Year’s Eve, Christmas and Easter all rolled up into one grand night. Great bonfires would be lit and folk would keep vigil until sunrise, to say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new. There would be parties with good things to eat and drink, music and dancing, games and snowball fights. No one would be expected to work the next day, and if it was a particularly good party, no one would be expected to work the day after that either.

Katabasis - Level 10 "The Mad Tea Party"

 

Our descent into Katabasis, the City Underground, continues.

The tenth level is known as 'The Mad Tea Party" and it strives to live up to its reputation.  The locals certainly seem to enjoy their tea parties and one of the more popular draws for this level is the Children's Tea-Party. It can be found beyond the Bleeding-Hearts Cave, in a quiet little cavern resembliing a charming garden, including an artificial sun or moon, depending on the dictates and whims of the Tea Master. The attendees can enjoy a wide variety of pleasant and safe diversions, but note that adults are not permitted and any adult found on the grounds can expect, well, unpleasantness is the mildest term that comes to mind.

Other sites of note on this level include a Spatial Anomaly, near one of the exits. Unwary travelers have found themselves trapped within it, sometimes for days, and the nature of the anomaly changes quite frequently. The locals keep an eye on it, but don't interfere with it too much as it has proven useful in removing troublesome guests.

The Weeping Well and the Cavern of Masks are both interesting draws, and relatively safe, although the Well can be a bit depressing. For those of a more adventurous (or suicidal) temperment this level also contains a remnant of Madspace, the nature of which defies any kind of rational description. Enter it at your peril!

Also, there are two exits from this level. One near The Devil's Door and another in the northern area. Do not confuse either with the Gate of Blood & Madness! Sensible travelers will avoid that at all costs!