"He found the knowledge at the heart of the universe;
            Returned, and cut his story into stone..."


                     -- The Epic Of Gilgamesh













             Whom The Telling Changed


                                    By Aaron A. Reed

                                        








Would you like instructions?>Please answer yes or no.>n



The people have always gathered on moonless nights to hear the telling, since the time of your ancestors' ancestors. The heat of the fire and the glow in the storyteller's eyes make the past present, and the path to the future clear. Tonight the stars are bright, but the minds of your people are troubled. May the words of the telling guide your way.

-----------

The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough.

The symbol of your occupation hangs from the central support of the tent.

>leave
You hesitate for a moment. The telling will begin soon, and it is custom to bring the symbol of your occupation to so important an event.

>take symbol
Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger?

>both
Sorry, you can only have one item here. Which exactly?

>fuck you
[Try typing HELP or INFO for ideas, or contact the author at aaronareed.net with complaints or suggestions.]

>copper dagger
This copper dagger is as long as your forearm, with a round pommel and hardened leather grip.

>restart
Are you sure you want to restart?
yes