The Slakrverse Tales - Ep. 6 - OVERSEER: A Simple Haircut

Minion, the Emissary of the Most High, is in a bad mood. Her ward, the strange and powerful child Terrene,  refuses to cooperate. Can Minon do the one thing that will make her life easier? 

Transcript

What’s up everyone? Welcome to the Slakrverse Tales! Each episode, we feature an original Fantasy or Science Fiction story from the Slakrverse! 

I’m your host, Mark Jefferson.

Today, we take a humorous looks at what it takes to cut a child’s hair who is gifted with miraculous powers. 

Minon, also know as the Emissary, is by far the most powerful sorceress in the world. But Terrene, a child with no discernible Mind Presence, or even magic, may just give her a run for her money. For those of you that don’t know what a Mind Presence is, I’ll discuss it later in the podcast.

The story is named “A Simple Haircut” and details what a little girl will do to avoid an unwanted haircut.

I produced everything you hear in this podcast at the Slakr studios. The only thing I didn’t create was the music and sound effects. Special shout-out to pixabay.com and all the wonderful contributors on that site.

Pixabay offers royalty-free photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, GIFs, audio and sound effects. I use their website and think they offer an excellent product. Check them out at Pixabay.com.

OK, on to the story. May I present: OVERSEER: A Simple Haircut by Mark Jefferson.

Sunlight poured through the small window slit in Minon’s dark stone bedchamber. The bedchamber was like any other in the Arbitrator Temple’s massive stone structure. A stone hearth sat in the room’s corner, filled with heated stones that made the room feel stuffy, but cozy as well.

Minon did not require sleep. Indeed, she had not slept for the past 4 years. Instead, she allowed portions of her mind to sleep while other parts of her mind stayed awake. Known as Half-Sleep, it was a skill taught to all arbitrators when they began their training.

Arbitrators combined the roles of peace-keeper, soldier, councilor, judge, and mediator. At the tender age of 14, Minon was by far the most powerful arbitrator in the world. This wasn’t because of any special skill on her part. It was because Tinok, the Most High, taught her himself! He imparted knowledge to her that no one else in the world knew and appointed her his emissary. She trained arbitrators, mediated between cities, and raised Terrene, the Most High’s sister.

Terrene sat cross-legged on her sleeping mat across the room, studying Minon. Minon glanced at her and smiled. Terrene sometimes slept, but most mornings she observed Minon as she roused herself from half-sleep, preparing for the day ahead.

Minon stood and stretched, shaking out the cramps in her legs and the stiffness in her back that resulted from her night’s meditations.

“Good morning!” Minon began her morning ablutions. Under normal circumstances, this would have involved collecting her Mana and storing it in a crystal, washing her face and combing her hair. However, Minon had dispensed with Mana collection years ago. She didn’t need to store her own mana because she controlled the surrounding Ether, which, as far as she knew, only she and the Most High could do.

Minon ran her fingers through her short dark hair, then drank from a small stone pitcher set in an alcove. She offered the pitcher to Terrene, but Minon knew she wouldn’t take it. Minon somehow always knew what Terrene wanted. Terrene continued to peer at her, as if studying everything about her. They spent most mornings like this.

Minon had met no one like Terrene. Every person, regardless of age, gender, or status, possessed a Mind-Presence. It was the embodiment of their soul, their power, their distilled essence in the Ether. Everyone except Terrene. Minon had used all her power, all her skill, all her knowledge of the Realm, but she could not detect the tiniest hint of Terrene’s Mind-Presence.

In the Beginning, Terrene’s lack of Mind-Presence had alarmed her, but she accepted it as part of who Terrene was. Terrene was the daughter of Saint Evihn The Giver, and her husband Geron. Evihn sacrificed everything she had, including her own life, thus allowing Tinok to save the Realm. The only thing she had asked in return was to spare Terrene’s life.

Terrene looked and acted like any normal 4-year-old girl, with one exception: she had never uttered a single word. She somehow could make known what she wanted, but she never spoke. Even now, she just watched Minon as she went about her morning tasks: changing clothes, washing her face, brushing her short hair, and tidying the room. Terrene had earned the nickname ‘the Silent Child.’

Minon took a deep breath, stealing herself for the task at hand. She turned to Terrene, who in the short time Minon had sighed, stood up, never looking away from Minon, and headed straight for the closed door barring their room.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Minon ground out, binding the door with invisible bands of power. No one in the world had the power to open a door bound by Minon! However, Terrene still opened the heavy door a few inches before Minon had time to leap in front of it, barring Terrene’s exitkk

“We’re not leaving until you’ve washed your face and brushed your hair!”

Minon sensed a wave of frustration emanate from Terrene. It was almost like a warm breeze that she almost felt, but not quite. Somehow it conveyed Terrene’s impatience, her love, her frustration, and a tiny mix of anger and willfulness all in one momentary feeling. Meron didn’t budge from the door.

“I’ve told you, if you don’t let me brush your hair, we’ll have to cut it off. I know you don’t want that, so just get this done so we can eat breakfast.” She leveled a glare at Terrene. “Please?”

Terrene’s eyes narrowed, but she turned and marched to her sleeping mat. She sat with her back facing Meron.

“Thank you.” Meron loosed a long breath. This was a daily ritual, and try as she might, Meron could not keep Terrene behind any locked doors, no matter what she tried. It grew more exasperating by the day!

Meron retrieved a washcloth, and dunked in the bowl she used for herself, then set about washing Terrene’s face. This was no simple task. Terrene squirmed, turning her face this way and that, and the task took three times as long as it should have. Minon’s patience wore thin.

Minon dreaded the next task even more: brushing Terrene’s hair! It was an exercise in futility! Terrene was tender-headed, and she dreaded Minon brushing her hair more than anything!

In the beginning, Minon had appointed a nurse to manage the baby, but it soon became apparent only Minon could handle Terrene. No other person, arbitrator or nurse, could contain her. From the time Terrene crawled, she escaped everyone who watched her. Everyone but Minon. Minon had eschewed sleep for that reason. She only allowed herself half-sleep because she had to oversee Terrene and make sure she stayed out of trouble! Minon thought it was a game to Terrene, but she was never sure.

Minon sensed her patience waning. She cramped during the night, sharp pains in her lower stomach. A few times, they became uncomfortable. Add a headache, and it only meant one thing: her courses would start any time. She hated her courses! Still young, her courses were quite irregular. This was her 6th experience with it, and she hated not knowing when it would start. She hated the cramps, the mess, the short temper, but most of all, she hated not feeling herself.

Her dearest friend, Silence, had explained everything when she first started. She experienced cramps for a few days before-hand, but didn’t pay it much heed. That first morning, when blood soaked her breeches, she had panicked! Thinking something was wrong with her, she searched her Mind-Presence, trying to find what was wrong so she could fix it.

Silence, somehow sensing Minon’s panic, ran into her room, thinking something dreadful had happened. Upon seeing Minon sitting on her mat, with red stickiness on her hands and a bloody stain between her legs, had almost laughed. Minon’ a face darkened. Silence sat beside her and explained what had happened.

Meron could change it, make her body not go through her courses, but there were costs to every action. While she had complete control over her body, unforeseen consequences always followed such changes. It was best to let her body work through it. She didn’t enjoy it, though!

Minon pulled herself out of her reverie, squelching her impatience as Terrene continued to squirm. Minon grew more frustrated as time passed. Terrene knocked the brush out of Minon’s hand three times in a row, and Minon gave up.

“That’s it! We’re cutting your hair!”

Terrene froze, understanding sinking in. Terrene’s eyes had widened in shock, and Minon felt a wave of denial and revulsion pass through her.

Minon ground her teeth together, then stood. “After you eat, we’re cutting your hair.” Minon punctuated the remark by folding her arms across her chest and glaring at Terrene. She felt foolish facing down a 4-year-old child. Every day she fought Terrene, her patience shrank, and she had reached that point where she was done!

Terrene turned her back on Minon, folding her arms and ignoring her. Minon counted to ten, taking deep breaths. “I’m the adult here, I’m the adult here....”

...

Minon half drug, half walked Terrene to the common area just outside the Arbitrator Temple. The enormous building dwarfed any other structure in the city of Ihn. A dark marble spire twenty floors tall, it held an additional twenty stores that drove into the ground. The black tower, made from one continuous piece of stone, pierced the sky.

Minon perceived the entire building: she had created it herself from the remains of the demolished Arbitrator temple four years ago. Unlocking the power within, she had formed it from the dust of the old building. She thought little of it now. Such use of power would kill most people. She had a secret though: Tinok had taught her how to manipulate the Ether, and she had used none of her own power.

It was a secret she guarded above all else. In the wrong hands, such power had the potential to unmake the world. As Terrene grew, Minon realized why Tinok had taught her such dangerous things. Minon might need that power to control Terrene! She shuddered at the thought.

In her heart, she knew Terrene was a good and kind little girl, but that little girl also had a temper! Minon knew of Saint Evihn the Giver’s temper and the village she had destroyed, and Minon guessed Terrene inherited her temper. Her lack of a Mind-Presence confounded the issue because Minon had no direct control over her. Her strongest bindings couldn’t hold her. Strange things just seemed to happen around Terrene, with no apparent manipulation of the Ether at all. It was almost coincidence — but not quite. Minon couldn’t wrap her mind around it.

The duo exited the main doors and descended the wide staircase, turning left as they reached the foam-stone plaza. Minon heard the excited conversations and clinking utensils from the common area. Turning the corner, she entered a large pavilion. Benches filled the pavilion, occupied by arbitrators, advocates, city administrators and others. Many people raised their hands in greeting, but something in Minon’s eyes made them stop. Everyone liked Minon, but also feared her power. Most people in attendance had witnessed her accomplish impossible things with no perceived effort. They avoided her when she fell into a black mood.

Silence sidled up to her just as she and Terrene reached the food line. “Good Morning!” she said with a bright smile, pretending to not notice Minon’s bad mood. She prattled on about the day’s events and what needed to be done.

Minon sighed and mumbled something under her breath. Silence turned to Terrene, as if seeing her for the first time. “Good morning to you, too!”

Terrene glanced up at Silence with a grumpy expression, then turned away, not meeting her eyes.

Silence glanced between the two, then said to Terrene, “What would you like for breakfast today? They have fried bread with cinnamon and butter, or eggs and bacon, or that potato casserole you like so much and they have fruit from the City of Go and....” Terrene didn’t react to any of the items mentions.

Silence glanced between Minon and Terrene a second time, her gaze settling on Minon. “How old are you?”

Minon glanced at her, furrowing her brow. “Fourteen.”

Silence nodded. “And how old is Terrene?” Silence grinned, staring at Minon.

“Four years old.” Meron’s eyes narrowed. “You already know that.”

“Hmmm. And which one is the adult here?” Silence asked, taking her plate and filling it with cinnamon bread. With one last look, she headed to an empty place on a nearby bench, not looking at Minon or Terrene.

Minon ground her teeth. Silence sat and conversed with another arbitrator beside her, Minon quite forgotten. Minon turned to an attendant and pointed to the scrambled eggs, putting a small portion on one side and a slice of fried cinnamon bread on the other. The plate was for Terrene. Minon had already decided she was not hungry.

Minon and Terrene padded over to Silence and sat beside her. The previous Arbitrator had already abandoned her spot. Minon felt a touch of pity for Silence. Silence cared about the other members in the temple, but she had few friends. Her combination of being the second most powerful person in the city and the most talkative person in the temple made her an enigma. Most people found her incessant talking uncomfortable and avoided her. Minon loved Silence, and her non-stop talking was one of her endearing qualities. By her own admission, Silence spent every day trying not to prattle on, and progressed each day toward her ideal of not speaking — just not as much as people would like.

Minon turned to Silence, a sheepish grin on her lips. “I’m sorry I’m in such a bad mood. My monthlies started and certain people,” Minon glared at Terrene, sitting beside her and chomping down the Cinnamon bread, “are being difficult. I think I’m going to cut her hair today. I’m tired of fighting with her every morning.”

Silence nodded. “What about Administrator Gaidihn? Her mother was a hair stylist and I’m sure she taught her at least some of what needs to be done and she already has shears. I think she cuts some of the other women’s hair so we can do it this morning so you can go about the rest of your day and....”

Minon touched Silence’s arm. “I love you Silence. Can you talk to Gaidihn and see if she is willing?”

Silence eye grew bright, and she turned a light shade of pink. “I love you too. You’re like the sister I never had. I’ll take care of everything.” Silence rose, hurrying to do as she asked.

Minon turned back and found Terrene glaring at her. She had the unmistakable impression that Terrene would allow no such thing to happen!

Minon sighed again and stopped regarding Terrene.

...

A short time later, Minon stood before a small assemblage of men and woman, all bald and thin. Minon spent time each day training the Arbitrators in magic and combat. Other types of magic existed, and she trained citizens later in the day for those types of magic. However, the Arbitrators operated as a de facto police force, and they were efficient.

A year ago, Minon introduced men into the Arbitrator ranks, naming them Advocates. Older Arbitrators pushed back, but now most saw the benefit of including men in their ranks. Men and Women went about things differently, and having both sexes made the ranks stronger. Some did not agree, most noticeable among them the older women, but Minon had forced the issue. Now it was a moot point. Minon trained the men the same as the women. She had asked Tarvon, the Regent of On, to exchange one of his most trusted men to serve on the City of Ihn’s Arbitrator Council, and she sent one of her elders to serve in his place. He had done so, much to the chagrin of these same older women.

Minion put her students through their paces, keeping a wary eye on Terrence. Terrene ignored her, playing with some daisies sprouting in the grass that somehow escaped the caretaker’s notice. Minion didn’t remember seeing the daisies when she arrived on the training field.

Minion completed her training session, leaving the students to finish their training with the traditional Kevvet bone strengthening exercises. Sure enough, the little girl had disappeared. Minion ground her teeth together, shaking her head in frustration. She wasn’t worried about Terrene getting lost or hurt. Everyone knew her and kept an eye out for her.

Minion cast out with her mind presence. While Terrene had no Mind-Presence Minon could discern, she left an indelible mark on those she encountered. A few seconds later, Minon knew her exact location. Her lips in a thin white line, she marched across the practice field and found Terrene staring at the Dark Tunnel monoliths with a furrowed brow.

Terrene watched Minon for a second, then turned back to the monolith. Minon thought she saw a tiny smile, but wasn’t sure. She stopped before Terrene and folder her arms across her chest. “Your not escaping your fate!”

She grabbed Terrence’s hand and half dragged her towards the Arbitrator temple. She had not walked twenty paces when a young arbitrator ran up to her. “Emissary, Administrator-General Nenihn begs your indulgence! She has an urgent request to meet with you.”

“Tell her I’m busy at the moment. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” 

“Please, Mistress. She said it was important.”

Minon turned a wary gaze towards Terrene, who still wore her evil grin. Minon spent the next two hours in meetings with the Administrator counsel, discussing her proposed railway system between cities. Terrene napped the entire time.

The meeting ended, and Terrene popped to her feet. Minon stalked out the door, Terrene following. They passed through the manicured lawn toward the Arbitrator Temple, but Minon couldn’t walk 50 paces without meeting another arbitrator carrying some important message. Minon clenched her teeth and tried to be civil, with varying results. Terrene’s grin grew larger.

The two approached the temple, and a large crowd had gathers at the large stone steps leading into the main entrance. Silence pushed her way through the crowd towards them. 

As Minon approached, she saw a water streaming out a 15th floor window above them into the center of the stairwell. Minon raised her eyebrows in surprise. This should not have happened!

Silence reached her just as she noticed the waterfall. “I don’t know what happened! Water started pouring out of the wall in my office abut 10 minutes ago! I can’t see where it’s coming from and its ruined my office and I have to find a new place for business and….”

Minon grabbed her arm, her brows lowering. With as little grace as she had ever used with Silence, she glared at her. “I get it! A pipe broke. I’ll fix it.”

Silence raised her eyebrows in surprised, then she flushed and her lip trembled. “I didn’t mean to offend you! I had an earth-shaper look at it, but he didn’t know how to fix it because this isn’t like any stone he’s ever shaped and no one else knew what to do and….”

Minon clenched her teeth, then sighed. She loosened her grip on Silence, her eyes softening. “I’m sorry, Silence. I’m not mad at you.” She signed. “I’m angry with someone else.” She cast a meaningful towards Terrene, who wore an innocent expression.

With another heavy sign, Minon closed her eyes and concentrated. She spread her awareness through the tower, expanding her mind into the building and examining every detail. Soon enough, she found the crack that had sprouted in Silence’s wall. Minon did not know how the crack could even develop. She had designed this building as a solid piece of rock and constructed it grain by grain. It should have been impossible!

The waterfall died out, leaving a small crowd buzzing. Minon glowered at them. “Don’t you all have something to do?” The crown dispersed, with several people throwing severe glances over their shoulder at Minon. She was always nice. Respectful even. What was wrong with her?

Minon breathed in through her nose, held it for a beat, then exhaled. She did this several times, regaining control of her raging emotions. She felt a headache starting.

“Are you okay? Is there anything I can do?” Silence asked.

Minon studied Silence. “No, there is nothing you can do. Did you ever talk to Gaidihn?”

Silence pursed her lips, looking away. “Gaidihn left to visit her mother this morning. She is sick.”

Minon closed her eyes, grinding her teeth together. “Anything else?”

Silence produced a pair of large scissors. “No, but I found these when I visited her quarters.” She handed the shears to Minon. “Perhaps you can try your hand at cutting Terrence’s hair. You do a good job when you cut your own.”

Minon took the scissors, turning towards Terrene. The little girl’s eyes were wide in shock. Minon grew an evil grin. “Not expecting this, were you?” She turned back to Silence. “Have someone fetch a chair. Here is as good a place as any for a haircut.”

Terrene clutched her hair, panic spreading across her face. Minon nodded in satisfaction as Silence left to get a chair. Terrence’s expression clouded over, and she crossed her arms over her chest in defiance, her face covered in a black expression. Minon’s smile broadened.

A short time later, Silence returned with a stool, followed by several junior arbitrators. No one said anything, but they all watched Minon. She took Terrence’s arm and dragged her to the chair, placing her on it. As soon as Terrence’s bottom touched the chair, a leg snapped, and she stumbled, almost falling. She turned a defiant glare on Minon.

Minon shrugged. “The chair was for your comfort. Not mine.” She stood in front of Terrene, grabbing a chunk of hair and raised the scissors. They seemed stiff, and as she tried to cut, the blades wouldn’t close.

Mystified, Minon peered at the scissors, noticing a large burr on one blade. So large, in fact, the scissors couldn’t close. Frustration grew in her belly, and her visage darkened even further. She noticed Terrence’s grin had returned. “So you think this is funny, do you?”

Terrene looked away, studying the clouds. With a grunt, Minon concentrated on the scissors, and the burr melted back into the blade. She worked the scissors a bit, making sure everything was fine.

“Mistress!” Minon jumped. Spinning around and finding another arbitrator behind her, in the process dropping the scissors, which landed point first in her foot. Minon loosed a howl of pain, hopping on one foot while trying to remove the blade-like shears from her foot. The arbitrator stood horrified, frozen in place.

Silence rushed to her, trying to help. Minon gave a mighty pull, and the scissors popped out just as Silence reached her. Silence’s eyes opened wide in shock as the scissors plunged into her belly. Between Minon foot and Silence gut wound, blood sprayed everywhere and covered the watching crowd in crimson. Several people turned pale, sickened. One woman vomited.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Minon, white as a ghost, pulled the scissors from Silence and touched the wound, concentrating. Small sparks danced from her fingers and the blood stopped. She touched her foot, the same sparks healing her injury.

Silence turned wide eyes to Minon. “What just happened?” Both women turned and stared at Terrene. She wore a smug smile as if to say, “Keep Trying and watch what happens next.”

A quiet hubbub passed through the watching crowd. Minon turned a baleful glare on them. “Go back to your business. Party is over!” The crowd dispersed, most heading towards the tents that housed the Outdoor common area which had sprouted up. Meal lines had already formed, and many arbitrators waited to get their food.

“Maybe you shouldn’t do this today.” Silence glanced at Minon, then at Terrene.

“I think you’re right. Are you hungry?”

Terrene grabbed both their hands, guiding them toward the tents. She wore a big smile.

<Segue>

I hope you enjoyed OVERSEER: A Simple Haircut. The story takes place about 4 years after the events in the first two OVERSEER books.  

Terrene, the Silent Girl, fusses every day while getting her unshorn hair brushed. Minon, her caretaker, becomes frustrated with the lack of cooperation and decides she’s had enough.

Sound familiar? I have a grown daughter. When she was young, It was a battle every day to brush her hair. On top of that, she danced since she was 5 years old. I had to put her hair in a bun several times a week, and I HATED it. Every day before school, I had a battle of wills with a child who was 1/5th my size, but she fought like the devil! I identify with Minon’s frustration in this story. <Sigh> For the record, I never mastered the art of putting her hair in a bun. 

I actually had some difficulty coming up with all the “coincidences” that kept cropping up with Terrene and her attempt to avoid her haircut. I had to brainstorm for quite a while to come up with ideas. Due to that problem alone, this is one of the most difficult short stories I have ever written, believe it or not.

Since Terrene uses no magic, I had to think about ways she could avoid the haircut without powering through it using spells. It’s a lot harder than it sounds! In the end, I used my test readers to help me come up with numerous “coincidences” that I incorporated into the story. 

You may hear the term “Mind Presence.” A Mind Presence is the sum total of a person’s existence in the “Ether.” Think of it like a soul.

The Ether is the magical substrate on which the OVERSEER universe is built. Spells are a means to alter the Ether, and for those gifted enough, they can change realty. A few are so powerful they could unmake the world. That is where Minon comes in. She polices and controls these powerful sorcerers.

The magic system is unique to the OVERSEER universe. Everyone can use magic in this setting. Magic is neither good nor evil — it is a natural force. All individuals, regardless of ability, can cast spells starting at a young age. They collect their magic power, known as Mana, and store it every day in crystal rings they wear. They use this Mana to cast spells, and for money as well. Unlike other OVERSEER stories, Terrene never uses magic. Things just seem to… happen around her. She is indifferent to magic. When I get around to writing the final OVERSEER book, you will understand why that is. Until then, enjoy the story.

I spent many months crafting the OVERSEER universe, and I hope it shows in the finished product. I’ve had several comments from readers that magic seems like a natural extension of the OVERSEER world. That wasn’t by accident. I have about 70 pages of notes I created before I started writing the first book. It was tedious work, but I’m glad I did it now. I refer to these notes often when writing an OVERSEER story, and they have saved my bacon several times. There is nothing worse than inconsistencies in your world-building. I assure you, readers will notice.

Writing has always been my passion, and I’ve written several books. You can find me on amazon.com. Just look up Mark Jefferson Overseer. Select a book, then click on my name in the Author section.

You can view all my published books on that page. If you like this story, try reading some of my novels. I think you’ll enjoy them!

I’ve written many short stories that take place in this — and other — settings, and I may feature some of them in upcoming podcasts. Several of these short stories are in my published books as prologs or epilogues, while others are unpublished. Either way, I hope you’ll enjoy them all!

Some stories I’ve written use different and novel magic systems. In the Overseer universe, magic permeates everything and all people use it. In other stories, magic is science-based and only those trained can use it. One story I’m working on has magic in the water, and users store its power in silver and gold rings. The world is a mountain that floats on a sea of clouds, and metal is rare. It’s just a sample of what’s coming.

Our next podcast looks at a solemn duty all Arbitrators must perform at some point in their career. It’s a sad tale of how the OVERSEER universe must deal with dementia. If everyone in the world can use magic, what happens when an elderly woman cannot control herself, or her magic? She becomes a danger to herself and everyone around her. When you add in she is a beloved family member as well, things become hard indeed.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and tell your friends about it. Thanks for listening to the Slakrverse Tales.

This is your host, Mark Jefferson, signing off.

Cheers everyone!