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[Of Kula and Gamil]

Of Kula and Gamil

Allegory, upon the shared duty of Kula and Gamil in the protection of mortal lives.


Sister Amélie of the Sisterhood of the Sibylline Vine

In the Style of the Kulamet

First Edition
Hziran 12, IY 7788


I.

In early days of waking world:

The wayward soul was clinging on; To barest glim'ring light of life;
For sight of mortal world was gone; And now she stands at edge of knife.

She reached up to the dimming light; With weary, oustretched, wounded hand;
And found a voice in growing night; For which her soul would swiftly stand.

"Lament you not, you one of mine"; Did fierce and verdant voice proclaim;
"Your sight is gone but mercy fine; Shall keep you through this bitter fane."

And thus was Kula's Wyld decree.


II.

But wayward soul was mortal true; The Holy Mother's mighty gift;
Her life yet slipped away from view; As Wyld clung to hold her swift.

And there from Edutu's great banks; Another trav'ler here appeared;
But offered Wyld naught in thanks; Repoaching raised a staff revered.

"Go off, Green-Souled, this one is mine; Thy shepherd's crook is nearly done;"
The Living Martyr's challenge fine; "My duty last, I shall not shun."

And thus Gamil did not agree.


III.

And up Her spear, and He his staff; To keep this soul from waning true;
Each stood for this mortal's behalf; And turned to meet, ere clash they flew.

But then the dirge did reach their ears; The death head from waters bright;
The scales to judge that life, well-lived; Should float Edutu into night.

The Martyr-Slain upon them went; And moved between the fierce repose;
And down their arms, their anger spent; He raised a hand there to compose.

And thus Kalim's lamenting plea:


IV.

"That waking dawn; That noontime fair; That evening air; By twilight, gone.

To each your task is true.

From verdant noise; To hour late; That mortal fate; In deathless poise.

As one, you see them through."

For mem'ry shall alight the path, the test;
That we have bid them live;
They answer you through ages' wrath, the crest;
And service faithful give. 

[A letter is left with a certain lift-minder within the Tablet. It is addressed to "Fox" and is written in an unusual, unfamiliar hand.]


Fox -- I had not forgotten, but I have been away. In any case, all good things come in time.

I keep my word. Listen for a bellows from one of mine including the word "vindicated," and we shall meet thirty minutes later in the place discussed. And there is much yet to discuss.


[The letter is unsigned.]

[Honorable Legates,]

[A letter arrives for Jordan Clearcreek. A note is included: "Jordan, this is for you. Use it as you see fit. May the Wyld keep you."]


Honorable Legates,

I write at the specific request of Magistrate Jordan Clearcreek.

In the early days of the past year, almost ten months ago to the day, the Stele of Law was defaced by the Ninth-Spoke, the Wyrmists. They were led by a cult of the malignant and abominable that shall remain nameless, but the sum of their works was to raise their nefarious Spoke to the command of the Stele in much the fashion that B'aara now looks over our people.

Legate Syter had been murdered, Legate Zarat was missing and suspected of treason, and Constantine Diakos was traitor, though he was wounded and his duplicity was not then known.

And the Ash had beaten furiously upon the Well. With the carving of the Wyrm to the Stele, it beat all the swifter. The Shade failed. The Astronomers could not hold, and ash piled up in the streets, poisoning all it touched.

It was the Ecstatic Terrace's arrival that prevented the devastation of the Well. The Geomancers defended the Well as they defend Baz'eel. And though this lasted only until the storm abated, they protected the entire well for that period.

I do not necessarily advocate what this letter might otherwise imply. The costs would be dear. It is for your consideration only.

We are all praying for your success.

Sister Amélie

[Nisah 18, IY 7788]

[A letter arrives at the Temple of B'aara, addressed to "The Honorable Gausim al-Marain." Enclosed is another parchment.]


Nisah 18, IY 7788

Honorable Gausim al-Marain,

I greet you in the name of the Wyld, and in reverence also to the Holy Mother and all the Wheel. As I have promised, in addition to my work on "The Fate of the Garden" which you have, I enclose an essay I wrote for the Sandstone College on the nature of the dichotomy of the Wyld's faith that we spoke on.

May Kula keep you in verdant health until we speak again.

Yours,

Sister Amélie

[Nisah 18, IY 7788]

[A parcel containing a book and a note is left at Legate Marcellus' office.]


Nisah 18, IY 7788


Honored Legate,

I enclose my work upon the War of the Southern Wastes, in Illul of 7787, for your review and for your records. I hope it may find a place in your personal library.

May we cleanse what blight remains of that war, and may all the refugees we have pledged to protect find a home within our Well.

And may Izdu record our works with favor.

Yours,

Sister Amélie

[Nisah 17, IY 7788]

[A parcel containing a book and a note is left at the Krak des Roses addressed to Alejandro.]


Nisah 17, IY 7788


My friend,

It has been too long since we have spoken at length.

Contained herein is the second worst thing I have ever known, reduced to prose that does not suit the gravity of it, and that cannot speak truth to the ideals of those who died to give life to these words.

I pray it finds you well.

Yours,

Sister Amélie

[Nisah 17, IY 7788]

[A parcel containing a book and a note is left at the League of Gold offices addressed to Ariel.]


Nisah 17, IY 7788


Ariel,

When last we met, you greeted me to my face in the commons with the unsubtle implication that I was a liar. I respect action, in a city that prefers inaction, and though you may mark my works as subtle they may be keenly felt to the betterment of the Garden.

I enclose the book that I have worked long upon, an offering to the Wyld, to Izdu, to Agaslakku, for it recounts the work of Life, is a Study, and describes a most terrible war.

One that I saw firsthand, which shapes our Well even now, though the bodies of most who served are cold in the ground.

You have spoken of your hatred of stagnation, of the fire that burns within you to see measured change enacted. If you are successful do not forget those who were saved by the sacrifice of so many, and so much; and still the undefeated foe dwells beyond, menacing our works.

Constantine Diakos lives, for our victory that day was not complete, and the ruin of the Bloodstar festers. There is much to do.

Seek me if you would have counsel on these, or other matters.

Yours,

Sister Amélie

[Nisah 17, IY 7788]

[A parcel containing a book and a note is left at the League of White offices addressed to Ricario.]


Nisah 17, IY 7788


Ricario,

I have not spoken to you of the great and terrible conflict of Illul, in 7787, but the memory of it still lies fast with me. It is a bitter draught that I drink each day, to remember the faces of the dead, and to see those same visages reflected upon the faces of the living.

You have promised in your works that you shall lift up the refugees that we saved that day from their present condition. To sacrifice so that we shall build them the home they had deserved in truth from the outset.

May this work aid you in it. I bid you read it with a critical eye.

I am ever willing, if you wish to speak.

Yours,

Sister Amélie

[Nisah 17, IY 7788]

[A parcel containing a book and a note is left at the office of Legate Domhnall.]


Nisah 17, IY 7788


Honored Legate,

I present to you a work I spoke of long before, long in the making, now completed. To the honor of those that you have spoken for upon the bellows, who have striven and fallen in the wastes, and to the refugees who now abide in the ash and sand beyond our walls.

It should not be, five months on, that they dwell in poverty and affliction.

I know you shall see them lifted up. And if my work may aid you in it, I would be grateful.

Sincerely,

Sister Amélie

[Nisah 17, IY 7788]

[A parcel containing a book and a note is left at the Krak des Roses for Samira.]


Nisah 17, IY 7788


Samira,

This is the tale that I began to tell you, which has affected me so dearly, and which you admonished me that I ought finish.

It is done, and I put it now to you.

Yours,

Sister Amélie

[Nisah 17, IY 7788]

[A parcel containing a book and a note is left at the offices of the scribes in the Palatial Pyramid, addressed to Bashir, in several places so that Martin would have difficulty getting it wrong.]


Nisah 17, IY 7788


Honored Scribe,

It is not lost on me that you were one of those who contributed to the completion of this work, both in answering an earlier letter, and in the tales.

It is also not lost on me that you were there.

I hope it finds you well.

Yours,

Sister Amélie

[I. IN VENERATION AND CONSECRATION OF THE EARTH]

[A small book of hymns is published in the Krak des Roses and in a few other spaces about the Well, in addition to the Kulamet sites kept by Wyld Shae and the altar off the high road. There are only a few copies, which are occasionally updated with additional verses and songs.]


I. IN VENERATION AND CONSECRATION OF THE EARTH

Sister Amélie of the Sibylline Vine
Speaker for Kula

Nisrah 7, IY 7787

Leader: Upon this place where Life yet dwells; We answer answer to the ringing bells.

Refrain: "In name of She, shepherd of Life."

Leader: And upward bear our verdant charge; In every form and facet large.

Refrain: "In name of They, the wholesome Wheel."

Leader: That from our blood and service done; The Garden, living shall be won.

Refrain: "In name of Life, in every form."

Leader: And rue the Wyrm its hateful strife! It answers to the charge of Life.

Refrain: "In name of meek and weary sworn."

Leader: "Let Kula hear our verdant cry; And answer we beneath the sky;

All: "Who know Her cause and mark it well; And ever walk, our faith to swell."

[Balladeer Alain,]

[A letter finds its way to the College.]


Balladeer Alain,

Word has reached me that you sought me over the bellows, to provide you with a measure of verse that I had promised regarding Recluta Benedict Gummo. It is included in this letter. The verse is in iambic tetrameter (eight syllables per line, representing the wholesome spokes of the Wheel, though there are two lines offset in trimeter) and partially enjambed. I hope you find it well.

I do not mention the Moteists that defamed him, of course, who mocked him to his face for the crime of being born a Gnome. To mention them in opposition, even to use them as a foil, would degrade Gummo's sacrifice by implying that it was somehow in answer to their insipid words. That they should have some note, even as fools, in his epitaph? No, he died for the Rose, his comrades, and the Quest. And we shall remember him for these things above all.

Best,

Sister Amélie

Of Benedict Gummo, called "The Nose"

One of the Cinquefoil Rose who fell at the Red Hill in the War of the Southern Wastes on Illul 30, IY 7787.

By Sister Amélie
Adar 18, IY 7787

From outer Ash came plying swift;
Intrepid scout of Gnomish form;
For long had he been far adrift;
And purpose seeking, sought reform.

That all that was, would not be last;
That Age of Ash should be downcast;
That he should earn a place therein;
And know a worthy home.

And when has Cinquefoil valor found;
A home in one so small of frame;
Upon Edutu, courage crowned;
He floats to rest in Martyrs' name.

A week, Recluta knew we he;
Who bled his lifeblood to the scree;
Of Red the Hill that he would win;
But now no more to roam.

[Adar 8, IY 7787Aubrey,]

Adar 8, IY 7787

Aubrey,

I understand that you have set out into the desert, or shall shortly set out into the desert, to seek the Chalice and the rejuvenation of the world in far-flung lands. I wish you well.

The test before us is a terrible one and the Oath that we have sworn is not lifted from our shoulders even if we should doff the Rose-cloak. This was true while you were in the colors, it was true while you strove in politics, and it is true now that you are gone afield. And you know as well as I that the words carved by our Grandmaster for the flower of her chivalry shall ring in our ears forevermore: "We the swift remember to ye the dead, all the red blood that beats in our hearts."

And we two have known so many of those honored dead, gone to the Martyrs' care over this past year, have we not?

I recall well our conversation in the Krak des Roses in Illul, where I contained unbecoming anger and envy of your station; confounded that you could not see yourself as a knight of the Rose. Well, you are errant now, as my poem marks you. For wherever you shall go the Cinquefoil Quest goes with you. And mayhap, if in far-flung places you shall find some sign, you shall bear word speedily back home and be welcomed with open arms.

It may be that this letter never reaches you, fated to gather dust as you trek far away, but you should know that through your trials I have ever believed that you possess a Cinquefoil heart. It shall be so wherever you may walk.

I shall pray to Kula that She keep you in good health.

Yours,

Sister Amélie

[Esteemed Waradim, Eamon Bronzegate,]

[A letter to Eamon Bronzegate is delivered by one of the Acolytes of the Sibylline Vine.]


Esteemed Waradim, Eamon Bronzegate,

Having read at least the opening to your work "The Wanderer's Parable" not once but twice now, I must say that I am heartened by the principles that you have emphasized. That Warad shall walk as "a companion in the boundless expanse" is a poetic description of His work upon the world. While I have not written any works on Warad alone (in my verse He always, in fitting allegory, accompanies or meets another of the Spokes), we find common cause in our understanding of His role.

You likely know, of course, that I was with Lyrist Lynneth when she perished at the Red Hill. Some ten feet from her when she answered a blow from the great Sibilant titan-general that laid her low upon the sands. That your work memorializes her and raises her work up in honor is right and fitting, for the Martyrs' command is that the names of the virtuous dead should live on.

I offer one correction, which is essential, and I urge you make: Lyrist Lynneth's surname was not "Llymarch" but "Llywarch", with a "w" rather than an "m". I oft made the same mistake you did while she lived.

Beyond this, I hope that we may meet and discuss the Wanderer's role in the Well, alongside Kula and all the wholesome Wheel.

I look forward to reading more of your works.

Yours,

Sister Amelie

[The Collected Works of Sister AmélieOf the Sibylline VineSpeaker for Kula]

[A rather large book published on rough paper, including the most recent editions of all the works linked below. There is no foreword in the First Edition or the Second Edition, instead, it moves directly into "Paradise in Bel-Ishûn" after the title page and table of contents.]


The Collected Works of Sister Amélie

Of the Sibylline Vine
Speaker for Kula

Second Edition

Published at Ephia's Well
Nisah 7, IY 7788


First Ed. Subat 19, IY 7787

Poetry and Verse

To Paradise in Bel-Ishûn
In the style of the Kulamet; imperfect iambic tetrameter, partially enjambed.

Kula looks upon the world, causes Bel-Ishun to flourish, and the Wheel sets down a prophecy that shall last through the ages.

  ---

The Fate of the Garden
In the style of the Kulamet; iambic tetrameter, partially enjambed.

The tale of Kula and all the Wheel, centered upon the Garden, with a focus upon their opposition to the Enemy.

  ---

Of Elizabetha
In the style of the Rose; varying iambic trimeter and heptameter.

Upon the trials of Grandmaster Elizabetha d'Auvergne and the inspiration she has given so many in the Well.

  ---

Of Errantry Upon the Sands
In the style of the Kulamet; varying iambic tetrameter, pentameter, and octameter.

The author meets the Enemy in exodus upon the sands, and overcomes Them, by the grace of the Wheel and the works of her allies.

  ---

Of Kula and Gamil
In the style of the Kulamet; varying iambic tetrameter, pentameter, and trimeter, partially enjambed.

An allegorical account of the meeting of Kula and Gamil, and how each serves Life in their own fashion.

  ---

The Kulamet Hymnal
In the style of the Kulamet; iambic tetrameter.

A collection of Kulamet hymns by the author and selected contributors.

  ---

In Service to the Well; or, The March
In the style of the Kulamet; iambic tetrameter.

A recounting of the Well's purpose at the outset of its march to battle in the War of the Wastes.

  ---

Verses for the Dead of Ephia's Well
In the style of the Kulaet; iambic tetrameter.

Selected poems honoring the fallen of Ephia's Well.

  ---

Tlonsiyya; or, The Ambassadors
In the style of the Kulamet; iambic tetrameter.

In honor of the diplomatic mission to Tlonsiyya undertaken by Ephia's Well in early Subat, IY 7787.

  ---

The Sable Cloak
In the style of the Kulamet; iambic tetrameter, partially enjambed.

In honor of the Holy Mother, recounting the tale of Her Immolation at the hands of Pra'raj, for the Feast of B'aara.

  ---

The Man of Kardesler
In the style of the Kulamet, iambic tetrameter.

In honor of the decision of Legate Marcellus Saenus in IY 7787 to aid the refugees of the Tonsure's caravan against the forces of the resurgent Sibilant in the Ash Desert.

Prose

The War of the Southern Wastes: A History
Recounting the War of the Wastes, also known as the Battles of the Red Hill, that Ephia's Well fought in late Illul in IY 7787. Contains selections of verse published separately. Complete.

  ---

The Reconciliation of the Aspects of Kula, the Wyld
A paper dedicated to the Sandstone College's symposium on the metaphysical aspects of the Wheel faith.

  ---

Record of a Sermon on the Wyrm and the Wheel
An address before the Pilgrim on Tabbah 20, IY 7787.

  ---

Record of a Sermon on the Teachings of the Wyld
An address before the Pilgrim on Hziran 30, IY 7787.

Miscellanea

Speakers for the Wheel
A record of the faithful of Ephia's Well and the Great Ash Desert in the Age of Ash. New edition pending revisions.

 

[Subat 15, IY 7787Esteemed Scribe Bashir,]

Subat 15, IY 7787

Esteemed Scribe Bashir,

I am presently working upon a history of the War of the Wastes, what some call the Battle of the Red Hill. Chapters are being serialized, however, included shall be a recounting of both the valiant dead of the battle as well as those who lived.

I have the former but not the latter. I am told that the Pyramid may have records of those veterans who survived the fray. Could you send me that list, or a copy thereof? I shall gladly offer charity upon our next meeting.

Yours,

Acolyte Amelie

[The Reconciliation of the Aspects of Kula, the Wyld]

[Published at the Sandstone College and appearing in the Krak des Roses, and other libraries, as well.]


The Reconciliation of the Aspects of Kula, the Wyld

Prepared for the Symposium on Metaphysical Discussion held by Jordan Clearcreek of the Sandstone College and moderated by Zol Nur of the Sandstone College

In Ephia's Well, Subat 18, IY 7787

Acolyte Amélie Terrois of the Sisterhood of the Sibylline Vine

 ---

Kula is shepherd of Life upon the disc, and is known foremost by two names: "Kula" and the "Wyld". While often used interchangably, it suggests a distinction that is reflected in actual differences in the style, means, and frame of worship. It may be fairly said indeed that, She bears in Her domain across two divergent aspects.

The first is Kula as the Shepherd, She who has not only taken up the stewardship of Life, but who has sought to lend order to it in aid to the civilized reaches of the world. We find instruction from the Great Gardens of Baz'eel, that the Kailah tended in the days of Osman IV, and who called-also Kulamet still tend the great glories of the Ecstatic Terrace and the Great Gardens themselves. Kula keeps Her charges well, makes holy the works of shepherds and farmers, and encourages Life that it should flourish at civilization's hand.

The second is the Wyld of Bel-Ishûn, glorious in its verdant expanse, but primal and writ through with all the terrors of the world beyond these walls. This too is Her domain, for as we look out to the desert sands, to see the lions, the sand tigers, the dunecats, we know these are Her creatures also. The Wyld guards Her domain with a spear, sharp and ready against the corruption of the Wyrm and the Djinn.

Any Kulamet must consider these well as both within Her power, and though we may take different approaches to the spread of Her faith, each aspect must mark the other as essential to the cause of Life. For Life that is cultivated and tended encourages the flourishing of civilization beloved of B'aara and Izdu. And Life that is savage afield culls the creatures of the Wyrm and the Enemy ere they can grow too powerful in the malignant places of the world.

Thus these aspects are reconciled. For in the wake of the Immolation of B'aara, Life has had need to defend itself against the malevolent gaze of Pra'raj. And while we my tend the herds, the Wyld creatures beyond wage their own conflict against the Enemy, from the tangled reaches of Bel-Ishûn to the wide desert sands.

For Life endures by the power of the Wheel.

[The Sable Cloak]

[A poem is published shortly after the Ides of Subat and the Feast of B'aara. It is widely posted at the Temple of B'aara and copies are provided for its archives.]


The Sable Cloak

A meditation upon the Immolation of B'aara and Her victory over the powers of the Enemy.


Acolyte Amelie of the Sisterhood of the Sibylline Vine
Speaker for Kula

In the Style of the Kulamet
Subat 16, IY 7787

The world through formless age abides;
A sun-baked landscape's barren guise;
And scorching light will not provide;
An answer in worthy reprise.

Upon this lifeless, base expanse;
The Wheel decended, theirs to know;
What should be wrought of this mischance;
And how to mark time's ebb and flow.

Among them foremost kindly heart;
Was wracked with pain to see that there;
Were none to share in sights apart;
From those divines beneath the glare.

O wept She there at canyon's head;
For deep, abiding, lasting pain;
She felt within most holy dread;
B'arra looked close to Her domain.

And found Her suff'ring there had wrought;
A river wide, and something more;
For Life abided with Her thought;
Upon Edutu's mighty shore.

But Pra'raj spread Its curs-ed might;
And cast Its rays in power fell;
To slay Her charge within Its sight;
Return the world to lifeless spell.

But "No!" Said She, compassion's soul;
"My sable cloak shall shield them here;
And I shall burn that they walk whole;
Into this world with meaning dear."

The Enemy could not o'ercome;
Through pain and fire, Mother braved;
To give to Kula's Wyld sight;
The Garden's seed that She had saved.

She joins Her wholesome, thankful peers;
The Wheel takes up Her burden long;
And joy meets suff'ring's sacred tears;
For verdant green shall sing Her song.

[Subat 15, IY 7787Esteemed Bashir,]

Subat 15, IY 7787

Esteemed Bashir,

We have had little opportunity to speak of late, but I must commend your diligence in the preparations of the Feast of B'aara. On that point, I have been informed that you have sought submissions of verse befitting the occasion.

I present my own, below, for your consideration. I would be glad to recite it if I am able to be present, otherwise, to have Acolyte Narwen recite or sing it. It speaks to the creation of Life in the world by the Holy Mother. A recounting in verse of Her most sacred act. Its tentative title is: "The Sable Cloak".

The world through formless age abides;
A sun-baked landscape's barren guise;
And scorching light will not provide;
An answer in worthy reprise.

Upon this lifeless, base expanse;
The Wheel decended, theirs to know;
What should be wrought of this mischance;
And how to mark time's ebb and flow.

Among them foremost kindly heart;
Was wracked with pain to see that there;
Were none to share in sights apart;
From those divines beneath the glare.

O wept she there at canyon's head;
That deep, abiding, lasting pain;
She felt within most holy dread;
B'arra looked close to Her domain.

And found her suff'ring there had wrought;
A river wide, and something more;
For Life abided with Her thought;
Upon Edutu's mighty shore.

But Pra'raj spread Its curs-ed might;
And cast Its rays in power fell;
To slay Her charge within Its sight;
Return the world to lifeless spell.

But "No!" Said She, compassion's soul;
"My sable cloak shall shield them here;
And I shall burn that they walk whole;
Into this world with meaning dear."

The Enemy could not o'ercome;
Through pain and fire, Mother braved;
To give to Kula's Wyld sight;
The Garden's seed that She had saved.

She joins Her wholesome, thankful peers;
The Wheel takes up Her burden long;
And joy joins suff'ring's sacred tears;
For verdant green shall sing Her song.

I hope it suits the occasion well.

Acolyte Amelie