The Slakrverse Tales - Ep. 7 - OVERSEER: Passing Sadness

Paxil, the Judge of Ly, has a solemn duty to perform: he must kill the woman he views as his mother before she hurts anyone else. Can he keep his word and follow through on greatest fear?

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 observe a sad day in an Arbitrator’s career. 

All people in the OVERSEER universe can use magic. But what happens when that person can no longer control themselves or their magic?

The story is named “Passing Sadness” and looks at a solemn duty all Arbitrators must perform in that terrible situation.

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: Passing Sadness by Mark Jefferson.

Pasil waved goodbye one last time, then turned away from the levitating air barge. The barge rose several feet into the air, then shot forward, disappearing down the track.

He turned toward his beautiful wife, Terok, and laid a gentle hand on her belly. “Why didn’t you tell her?”

Terok sighed. She glanced at Pasil, then at Meron, their young daughter, who stood near the platform’s edge. “I don’t know. I guess I wanted it to be our secret for a little longer.” She looked at her belly, laying her hand on Pasil’s. “Besides, Silence has problems of her own. Do you think she and Dango will get together?”

Pasil shrugged, eyes following the disappearing barge. “None of our business. That’s between them and the Most High.”

Terok’s gaze darkened, and she pushed Pasil’s hand off her belly and took a step backward. “Don’t you get sanctimonious with me!”

Pasil glanced at her, annoyance flickering in his eyes. “Terok, I love you. I didn’t mean to offend you. But you have to get control of your temper. It’s not proper to get into a fight in the middle of the city. Besides, it’s not good for the baby.”

Terok’s lips clenched. “Not so loud! Meron will hear you!” she hissed.

“Oh, I already know.” Pasil and Terok both jumped, taken aback by Meron’s uncanny ability to sneak up on them. “By the way, it’s babies, not baby. Two boys. I had to plead with Tinok to let me fix your womb. He wouldn’t let me at first, but he grew tired of me bugging him and allowed it.”

Pasil raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You talk to the Most High?”

Meron shrugged, distracted by the crowd leaving the platform. “Of course. Don’t you?”

“When did that start?”

Meron’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “I’ve always talked to him. I thought everyone talked to him.”

Pasil shifted his gaze to Terok, who looked away with a guilty expression. “You talk to him as well?” His mount opened, incredulous.

“I don’t talk to him. But he’s always here, in my heart.” She laid her hand across her chest, a wistful smile appearing on her lips. “I feel him. He said he would never leave me. And he hasn’t,”

“But… but… he’s been gone for six years! Why am I just finding out about this now?”

Terok seemed to shrink. “It was such a private thing. I thought you might think I’m crazy.”

Pasil nodded to himself, a hurt frown appearing on his lips. He turned to Meron. “What was wrong with your mother’s womb?”

Meron shrugged. “It was stuck. I unstuck it. I won’t be able to un-stick it after this, though. Tinok thought it might be dangerous.”

Pasil and Terok traded confused glances. “Why is it dangerous?”

“I don’t know. He said he had to delay his plans if Mother had more children. Tinok gave you two babies at once to save time.”

A small group approached Pasil through the crowd. Terok’s face clouded over, and she looked as if she might cry. “I don’t want to do this. It’s wrong. It’s murder.”

Pasil’s head gave a sad shake. “It must be done. She almost killed Lodek last week. If we hadn’t been there, he would have died. The null bracelet can’t contain her any more. It must be done.”

“Couldn’t you have another arbitrator do it? Why does it have to be you?”

“Do you think I want to do this? I know she’s like your mother. But she’s like my mother as well. I want to be there at the end, just like Lodek and his family. It’s the right thing to do.”

Lodek and his family stopped in front of Pasil. He wore a grim expression, but nodded towards him. “Let’s get this done.”

Pasil nodded to each member of the family. Each wore the same grim expression, and Lodek’s wife, Renly, seemed on the verge of tears.

Pasil pursed his lips, considering the group. “Would you prefer to fly or walk?”

“Let’s fly. We won’t be there until midday if we walk.”

Pasil nodded. He spread his Mind-Presence around the entire group and then rose into the air. The City of Ly spread before them, many people looking up in awe at this display of raw magical power. Pasil paid no attention.

They flew above the city, leaving the town and following the main road leading out of town. Farmland spread before them, the fields a patchwork of interconnected green squares. They raced towards a large forest, then descended into an open clearing before a small wood cabin. What had once been an immaculate homestead now lay overgrown and unkept. It made Pasil sad to see it.

He released his travel mates, and noticed Terok fighting back tears, along with Renly. Pasil loosed a deep sigh, dreading what he must do. Several Arbitrators exited the cabin, nodding to Pasil. “Tanly, how is she doing?”

The Arbitrator gave a small shake of her head. Pasil nodded again. He glanced around the clearing, motioning towards the cabin. “Let’s get this over with.” A knot of dread sat in his belly. Pasil didn’t want to do this, but he understood it had to be done. He steeled himself and walked toward the cabin. Terok sniffled beside him. Somewhere behind him, a woman sobbed.

They passed through the door opening and encountered an uncomfortable sight. Furniture law strewn about, plants and dishes lay all over the floor, and the cabin’s back wall bowed out. Someone gasped at the sight. A shrivel old woman crouched in the corner, head hurried in her arms. She sobbed, fear emanating from her in waves and washing over him.

“Old Rosly, it’s me, Pasil.”

The woman tensed, shrinking into herself. “Stay away!” A bubble of force spread out, pushing everyone back a step. The place smelled like urine.

Pasil looked at the Arbitrator beside him. “How long has she been like this?”

“Since she woke up this morning. It took all three of us to contain her. We did the best we could…” She glanced around the room, then back to Pasil. “We did the best we could. It’s time, my Lord. Would you like me to do it?”

Pasil shook his head. “No. It’s my responsibility.”

Terok grabbed his arm. “Isn’t there something else we can do? There has to be another way!”

Pasil disengaged his arm from Terok. “We have done everything in our power, Terok. If she stays like this, she will kill someone.”

“If you do this, I will never forgive you. I already lost one mother. I can’t lose another one!”

Meron stepped forward before anyone could stop her. Pasil tried to reach her, but another blast of fear, this one more powerful than the last, knocked them back several steps. All except Meron. It didn’t affect her at all.

“Grandma? It’s me, Meron.”

The old lady looked up. Recognition dawned in her eyes, and she clutched Meron, sobbing. “Make it stop! Please it stop!”

Meron pulled away, making eye contact with Old Rosly. “Grandma, you are sick. You’re hurting other people.”

Horror dawned in the woman’s eyes. “I’m hurting people? Why would I hurt people?”

“Your family is here to say goodbye. You going on a wonderful journey, grandma. The most High awaits you. He will make the pain go away. He will offer you comfort.”

The old woman stared at Meron, her gaze hardening. “You’re not my daughter. This isn’t my family!” Power blasted forward, but Pasil saw Meron’s Mind-Presence surround old Rosly, and the blast never reached them. Everyone stood stock still, fascinated by this little girl who seem so powerful.

No one but Pasil could see what Meron had done. The blast was so strong it should have destroyed the cabin, but it had never breached Meron’s Mind-Presence. Pasil gaped in wonder.

Meron wrapped her tiny hands around Old Roslyn’s misshapen ones. “It’s Meron, Grandma. You’ve known me for my entire life.” Recognition dawned on Old Rosly’s face.

“Meron?”

“Yes, Grandma. You’re going on a great adventure. You’re going to meet the Most High. He loves you and he’s waiting.”

Old Rosly nodded, her eyes closing. After a moment, her head dropped forward and her breathing eased. Pasil saw Meron’s Mind-Presence surge forward, enveloping Old Rosly’s. Her breathing stopped, and Meron helped her to the floor. A wave of gratitude seemed to sweep out from Rosly, passing through the small crowd.

“No!” Terok rushed forward, Renly and Lodek not far behind. “No, no, no, no, no!”

Terok shoved Meron away, clutching Old Rosly. Meron stood, walking to a dumbstruck Pasil. “What did you do?” He asked, his voice a ghost.

“I eased her pain, father. She was in so much pain.” Meron’s lip trembled, the weight of what she had done settling in on her.

“But… the herbs… and the poison….”

“She would never take that. Deep in her heart, she knew what was coming. She was so terrified of it she almost destroyed the cabin. It had to be done.”

Pasil nodded, sensing the truth in her words. Terok rose, murder in her face. “You did this!” She stalked& towards Meron, her finger stabbing towards her. Meron stood her ground, but Pasil stepped between them. She tried to go around, but he blocked her way. “I will never forgive you for this!”

Everyone stood frozen, not sure what to do. Meron stared at her mother, and Terok’s eyes rolled into the back of her head. Pasil caught her as she fell.

“Stop!” Pasil ordered, glaring at Meron.

“She was about to get violent, Father. I didn’t want anyone else getting hurt. She will feel better when she wakes up in a couple of minutes.”

“You and I will discuss this when we are done here.” Pasil carried Terok outside, laying her on the grass. A moment later, the rest of the party exited. The last person, the arbitrator Tanly that had met Pasil when they arrive, carried a limp Rosly out.

She laid her on a stone hearth in the clearing’s center, then waited. Terok stirred, and Pasil knelt beside her, holding her hands.

Her eyes fluttered. “What happened?”

Pasil glanced at Meron. “Your daughter thought things were getting out of hand. She put you to sleep so you wouldn’t get hurt.”

Horror passed over her face. “She can do that?”

“Seems that way. I will have a long discussion with her about her powers. I think it’s time she joined the Arbitrator Guild.”

Terok rose with Pasil’s help, turning a wary gaze towards Meron. Meron ignored her, instead heading to the stone hearth and standing beside Old Rosly’s body with the others. Without speaking, everyone joined hands.

Lodek stepped forward a half step. “My mother raised me as a widow when my father died. I never wanted for anything and she always loved me.” He stepped back, Renly stepping forward.

“Old Rosly accepted me into her family with open arms. She made me feel welcome.”

Everyone took turns stepping forward and gave a small remembrance about Old Rosly and something she had done for them, some kindness she had shown. Meron’s turn came.

“Old Rosly was like my grandmother. She always treated me with kindness, even when I was a baby. I will miss her.” She stepped back.

Pasil stepped forward. “Old Rosly showed me love and kindness from the day I met her. She was an example of a true mother.”

Terok moved forward, but didn’t speak for a moment. She seemed too choked up to utter a word. She swallowed, then cleared her throat.

“My mother died in the Great Calamity. I never knew her well, but I think of Old Rosly as my mother. She helped me in a time of great darkness in my life, and pointed me on the right path.” Terok glanced at Pasil. “She helped me decide what was important. I will miss you, mom.” She stepped back.

In unison, they started the Death Chant. Each person felt Mana drain from them, and Old Rosly’s body burst into flame. Soon after, only ash remained.

The crowd dispersed, leaving Pasil, Terok, and Meron alone. Terok turned to Meron. “I can never forgive you for this.”

Meron’s expression turned sad. “I know, mother. I know.”

I hope you enjoyed OVERSEER: Passing Sadness. It’s a poignant tale of a loved one’s passing, and the mixed emotions that go along with it. I hope I handled it with care and empathy. It’s hard to tell a tale like this without revisiting my own past and remembering loved ones who died in my life. I have never had a loved one with Alzheimer’s, so it’s hard for me to understand the depth of emotion they deal with in this situation. I read what I could on the internet and tried to give a sympathetic depiction of what it is like.

During the planning stages of my novels, I tried to think of every aspect of life in the OVERSEER universe. Since all people use magic to some extent, what do you do with the ones who cannot control it any longer? People could get hurt or even die. How do you control a situation like that?

In the first OVERSEER novel, a character was hobbled by a bracelet that blocked access to his power. In most cases this is enough. However, there are ways around it and some people become… creative. At that point, there isn’t much choice. Arbitrators are trained in this potential situation, and they are sometimes called to fulfill their duty. It’s never done with the complete cooperation of the family. Drama can and does arise in this touchy situation. This story takes place during OVERSEER: Silence. When Pasil, Terok, and Meron bid Silence and her companions farewell at the train station, this is the task they must accomplish.

Even though Pasil is head of the Arbitrators in the City of Ly, he has a special connection to Old Rosly. She was a mother figure to him and his wife, and he loved her like his own mother. Terok, in particular, is very upset at the entire situation. Meron, at six years old, understands the situation and accepts what must be done. Even if she doesn’t like it.

Terok, on the other hand, cannot come to terms with Old Roslyn’s passing, and vehemently opposes Pasil solemn duty. The ensuing drama is indicative of the moral conundrum Pasil faces. In light of this, Meron takes control of the situation and eases Old Rosley’s passing, sparing Pasil the repercussions Terok will heap on his shoulders. This is the beginnings of the rift that develops between Terok and Meron later in life. Even knowing what will happen, Meron does what must be done.

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. Pasil is one of the mightiest sorcerers in the world, and there are only a handful of people that can match him. As you may have guessed, he is Minon’s apprentice.

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 takes a look at Prince Naygan, whom you may remember from “A Small Favor”. Naygan searches the former Servants underground cave complex, searching for… something. His love, secretly pregnant with his daughter, is taken and he has no idea what happened to her.

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!