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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Using Others
The empire of Chiran, which is directed from the top down, doesn't allow for individuals to follow their separate interests or desires. Leadership uses people for what they might provide to the ones "above" them. In this system, if one is not in control or does not have influence with those in control, he/she is treated as a thing and not a person. So it is that we see young women treated as servants--and yes, as slaves (for purposes I'll let you imagine). Chiran's leader, Zarek, also uses children for whatever purposes come to his mind. He finds no value in them, and so he cannot contemplate the extent of the loss that comes with each person. We, too, have people in our world who behave like this. Some are in leadership, some are not. I shudder to think of all the creativity, new technology, stunning artwork, and great philosophical minds, that we've lost through the ages--that indeed, we lose everyday. Those who might have gone on to create great things are lost as a result of numerous evil forces. Have you ever wondered what purposes might have been served by those lost to poverty? Slavery? Crime? Genocide? What other things can you identify that account for the premature loss of people in our world?
Book Excerpt
Ephemeral and Fleeting
A young servant woman entered the room. Lightly clad, she carried a tray upon which sat a carafe, one brass drinking vessel, two of stoneware, and a small wooden mug. Behind her came a boy, not more than ten years old. She poured some wine from the carafe into the wooden mug and handed it to the child.
Broden watched closely, then looked at his father. “You have children testing your drinks now?”
Zarek scowled. “It’s one way to put the little ruffians to use.”
“But—”
“Perhaps Brother Pestifere is right after all,” he said, leaning back. “You ask too many questions. Maybe . . .”
Broden’s jaw dropped. He held up a hand. “I just . . . was surprised, that’s all.”
“The succedunt have rightly reminded me that there is a service that may be performed by even the least amongst the masses,” Zarek said. “Can you think of anything else that these vagabond, orphaned children might do to be of assistance?” When no response came, he shook his head. “I thought not. In truth, I’ve grown weary of their begging at the palace gates.”
Recognizing that this was not a battle he would likely win, Broden conceded it without further argument.
Inhaling deeply, Zarek turned back to the priest.
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