literature

Crystal of Truth Chapter 5

Deviation Actions

weasel-girl's avatar
By
Published:
356 Views

Literature Text

Chapter 5

“Where were you?” Vallen asked as Keyan joined his family at the table they were gathered at.

“I’ve been speaking to a couple of Gelfling brothers,” Keyan answered as the food was brought out. Keyan’s stomach began to growl at the sight of all the food: Salads with every kind of vegetables, savory smelling hot soups, roasted and grilled meats and countless loaves of brown and golden bread, along with pastries, tarts and cakes with thick sweet cream and topped with crystalized fruits. So many good food, nobody knew where to start. Keyan helped himself to some cheese and bread for starters and began to eat. It was all very delicious.  Even his nerves could not stop him from enjoying the feast.

“Enjoying the food, son?”

Keyan looked up at his father. He swallowed the bit bread and nodded. “Yes father, very much.”

“You have SkekAyuk to thank then,” His father nodded up at the Skeksis table. “He is the head cook and the reason we have all this delicious food.”

Keyan looked over at the Skeksis table and instantly spotted a huge fat Skeksis with his beak buried in its plate of food. If that wasn’t SkekAyuk then Keyan was a Podling. Keyan’s eyes roamed around the Skeksis table and his nerves started to dwindle once again at the sight of them, all huge and fierce looking with narrowed eyes and sharp teeth. A couple of them were whispering a hushed conversation while others were more focused on their meals. Keyan then focused on the Chamberlain and his heart stalled.

The Chamberlain was not conversing with the Skeksis sitting next to him nor was he eating his meal. He was looking straight at Keyan with a look of interest. Keyan stabbed a piece of cheese with his fork, focusing his attention on it instead of the Chamberlain. What was it that made the Chamberlain stare at him? Did he look strange? Was there something wrong with him? Did he have some dirt all over his face? The young Gelfling turned his attention to his sister who was busy chatting away with another female Gelfling about different wind patterns and which ones were the best to glide on.

If Keyan had continued watching SkekSil, he would have seen the Chamberlain stand up and move over to the Emperor and whisper something to him. The Emperor would have nodded his head slowly as SkekSil went back to his seat, a pleased smile on his beak.



As the feast continued on, Keyan’s worries soon faded away and were replaced by happiness of being with his family and friends, enjoying good food and good company. After a few hours of eating and pleasant chatting, the feast soon came to a complete finish. Many of the Gelflings sat back on their seats, full and comfortable. Keyan pushed a small root vegetable around his plate, too full to even take one last bite. Full, but completely happy. Never had he enjoyed such delicious food.

The Emperor of the Skeksis stood up from his seat and the Gelflings immediately became quiet. The Emperor looked around the room, nodding.

“I trust you all had a pleasant meal, noble Gelflings?”

His question was met with applause and shouts of agreement. It was more than pleasant, Keyan thought, it was…well what words could describe the feast? Perfect? Amazing? No, this feast was beyond words.

“That is gratifying to hear,” The Emperor continued. “We Skeksis do our best to look out for the Gelfling’s best interest and it always pleases us to see you all so happy.”

The Gelflings began to call out praises and thanks for the Skeksis.

“Praise the Skeksis!”

“Keepers of the Crystal!”

“Guardians of the Gelflings!”

“Bless you all!”

The Emperor then narrowed his eyes. “You may have heard about these trouble-making rogue Gelflings roaming around the lands. Spreading lies of how we are torturing you, how we are monsters who are keeping you as prisoners!”

There were a lot of angry shouts and hisses from the Gelflings.

“Trouble-makers!”

“Lying about our great rulers!”

“Yes, yes,” The Emperor nodded. “I know this enrages you as much as it enrages us. The trouble-makers claim that we are keeping you as slaves, but tell me dear Gelflings…are you slaves?”

“No!” The cry came up instantly. “No! We serve our Skeksis lords with pride and we are loyal!”

“We are pleased by this answer.” The Emperor gave a smile. “No doubt your children will be just as loyal. I do believe the Choosing must commence now!”

Keyan dropped his fork onto his plate. The good food in his stomach turned to stone at what he had heard.

The Choosing!

Thanks to all the feasting, he had completely forgotten about it. Beside him, Tif and Vallen were speaking in hushed voices. The young Gelflings began to murmur with excitement. Which Skeksis would they be appointed?

“Young Gelflings,” The Emperor announced. “The day you have been waiting for is now here. Come up and meet your future supervisors.”

Vallen and Tif immediately got out of their seats and rushed over to stand in front of the Skeksis table along with several other young Gelflings. As Keyan stood up, he felt his legs wobbling with nerves. How embarrassing would it be if he fell down in front of the Skeksis and the Gelflings? He looked around and was surprised to see some other Gelflings slowly going towards the table. So he wasn’t the only one nervous about all this. He smiled, pleased at this realization.

Keyan reached the other young Gelflings and found himself standing between Tif and Lek. Lek was clenching his fists with excitement while next to him Jek nudged him, trying to calm his excitable brother.

At that moment, the Emperor then cleared his throat. “Will the youngest son of Caslen and Friya step forward?”

Keyan nearly fainted at this announcement. What?! Step up in front of everyone in the whole dining hall?! He felt Tif give him a gentle push towards the Skeksis and he took a step forward, his legs wobbling like mad.

Don’t fall down, he fiercely told himself. Don’t embarrass yourself by falling down!

He forced himself to take several more steps until finally he was standing in front of the Skeksis.

“What do they call you, young Gelfling?”

Keyan opened his mouth, but the words stuck to his throat. “Well…they…”

“Speak up!” A large Skeksis bellowed at him.

“K-Keyan!” Keyan immediately responded. “They call me Keyan from the Spriton clan!”

The Skeksis Emperor narrowed his eyes at him, studying the nervous Gelfling.

“You are very lucky young Gelfling. You have been chosen to be the assistant to one of the most prevailing Skeksis among us.”

Keyan gave a small smile. “Thank you, your majesty. My only desire is to serve the Skeksis proudly.”

“And I’m sure you will,” The Emperor slowly nodded. He then turned towards the other Skeksis. Keyan watched in tense silence which soon turned into dismay when the Chamberlain stepped forward.

“Keyan of the Spriton Clan, you shall be under the guidance of SkekSil the Chamberlain.”
Chapter 5 of my Dark Crystal Author Quest submission.

Dark Crystal (c) Jim Henson
Gelfling OC's (c) Me
© 2014 - 2024 weasel-girl
Comments1
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
SkekLa's avatar
Keyan: O.Ou...Oh no. WHY HIM?...Anyone but him!!!

SIL: HmmmMMMmmmm...heh-heh-heh...