The Five Tasks

"And what language did they speak, Checkers? Was it the Common tongue, or the Glider's language?", asked Mary, pouring a cup of coffee.

"Please continue, then," replied Mary.

Now before the tasks were assigned by the clerks of the Powers, George, excited that he could talk to the other creatures, declared to those at the table, "Would it not be easier, if we all cooperated, working on each other's task, until they were all complete? With five of us working on a task, it should go five times as fast!"

Draco responded, "That does not have to be true. If my task was to walk fifteen leagues in three days, you would not be able to help."

Edain then spoke, "Draco, you are correct, but George's idea is a good one. First we need to find out the nature of our duties, and then see if we can help each other. I for one would love to be able to finish early, and enjoy the pleasures of Eden."

The group of five agreed with Edain, and arranged to meet at their table after receiving their tasks.

George stood in a line before a great table. He waited nervously, hoping that his task would be within his ability, but somewhat relieved that he had four fellows who would share the burden with him.

When George made it to the front of the line, the clerk spoke to him. "George, do you like building things?"

"Well, yes, I suppose. I have built little burrows to protect myself and my people from the rain and the sun. What is it that the Powers want me to build?"

"Your assignment is to build something called a bridge over the Pithom River, between the Ruby Pavillion and the Sapphire Pavillion. It has to be strong enough to allow the coach of the Powers to cross."

Now George was relieved. The land appeared to be rich in materials. He could build a bridge in a day, even over the largest river that he had seen back at home. All one needed to do is put together enough stones. The clerk told him that the pavillions were in a park of the Powers-that- Be, just a few hour's walk from here.

George scampered back happily to his table. Adar and Edain were there, Adar smiling broadly, and Edain sitting quietly contented. Adar boasted, "All they want me to do is clean out one stable, with twenty stalls, that lies three hours north of here in a Park of the Powers. I could do it myself over three days, but your help would make the task go faster, so I am willing to contribute."

Edain chimed in, "I am in. My task is to build an orchestra and provide the lights for an evening's entertainment for the Powers. I think it is the same park as yours, Adar. This will require that I scour Eden for players, so I am willing to work cleaning your stable in exchange for help in setting up the lights."

George then explained, "I think this is working out well. I have been sent to the same place to build a bridge between two pavillions. I am looking forward to working on your tasks, too - it sound much more interesting than just doing the same thing."

Draco came to the table. He was also happy. "Mine is not hard at all. I get to bathe Ethelwhyte, the Giant, in order to make him presentable for a celebration of the Powers. Ethelwhyte lives ..."

" ... about three hours to the north of here, near a park?" chimed in the other three in unison.

"Well, yes. How did you know?" The other three told Draco what their tasks were, and the fact that they were all to work near each other.

"That is a stroke of good luck!" declared Draco. "This is very auspicious, and I think that the four tasks can be accomplished in three days. I wonder what task Geomi received?"

While Draco was explaining to Adar, Edain, and George what auspicous meant, Geomi came in. Unlike the others, he did not look happy. "My task is to build a new highway, from Eden to the park north of here. Not only that, but accomodations for food and drink have to be provided for the travellers all along it. And I have to do this in three days!"

All members of the table felt sorry for Geomi. He had had bad luck in drawing an impossible task. There was little that they could do.

George said, "Geomi, I feel bad for you, but why do you not join us? We will probably need to get help from the town for Edain's task, and we may find volunteers. We can reason, now. Once we get to the park, things might not look so bad."

Geomi agreed, and the five creatures walked along the trail to the park.

1. Of course, when they get to the park, they find out that the Powers left out a few important details.

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