The Night Land

And, presently, when the instrument was made right, she called into the

night the name of that man within the book; and so it came about that I

had hoped too much; yet even now was I strangely unsure whether to cease

from hoping. And one other thing there is which I would make clear. Many and oft a

time had I heard a thrilling of sweet, faint laughter about me, and the

stirring of the aether by words too gentle to come clearly; and these I

make no doubt came from Naani, using her brain-elements unwittingly and

in ignorance; but very eager to answer my callings; and having no

knowledge that, far off across the blackness of the world, they thrilled

about me, constantly.

And after Naani had made clear all that I have set out concerning the

Lesser Refuge, she told further how that food was not plentiful with

them; though, until the reawakening of the Earth-Current, they had gone

unknowing of this, being of small appetite, and caring little for aught;

but now wakened, and newly hungry, they savoured a lack of taste in all

that they ate; and this we could well conceive, from our reasonings and

theory; but happily not from our knowledge.

And we said unto them, that the soil had lost its life, and the crops

therefrom were not vital; and a great while it would take for the earth

within their pyramid to receive back the life-elements. And we told them

certain ways by which they might bring a more speedy life to the soil;

and this they were eager to do, being freshly alive after so long a time

of half-life. And now, you must know that in all the great Redoubt the story went

downwards swiftly, and was published in all the Hour-Sheets, with many

comments; and the libraries were full of those who would look up the

olden Records, which for so long had been forgotten, or taken, as we of

this day would say, with a pinch of salt.

And all the time I was pestered with questions; so that, had I not been

determined, I should scarce have been allowed to sleep; moreover, so

much was writ about me, and my power to hear, and divers stories

concerning tales of love, that I had been like to have grown mazed to

take note of it all; yet some note I did take, and much I found

pleasant; but some displeasing.

And, for the rest, I was not spoiled, as the saying goes; for I had my

work to do; moreover, I was always busied Listening, and having speech

through the darkness. Though if any saw me so, they would question; and

because of this, I kept much to the Tower of Observation, where was the

Master Monstruwacan, and a greater discipline.