Atrus' Socks
This was my story gift for Christmas 2001.
The story itself is dedicated to Kehrin and to Gordon Currie.
This tale is set before the events of Myst (game) by some years. I refer to the link versus create debate a bit in Atrus' sense of guilt over the instability in this place. If he didnt create or alter the Ages his books link to, if the Ages descriptions always find a perfect match, then these people, like the Rivenese, were doomed whether Atrus came or not....
Photo "sunrise WPB" by Tom McGaw. All rights reserved.
Above the warm haze and buzz of insect voices, a steady pounding rang out on the sandy shore. A small group of natives had gathered to watch the funny man work on his big fish box, for so they called it. A few even helped him set his metal sticks, fetching and carrying when time allowed.
Some few aided him because they understood the value of his purposes, a number because they were fond of the kindly traveler, others acted only because it amused them. Tormenting him amused these last too, but this they did not dare do too often. He was a guest of their Chief, this blanket-wearing shaman from far away with his goggle-eyes, but who could not be amused by a man who covered even his feet in the hot summer sun?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The dreary work on the storm shelter dragged on. This was the part of his labours that Atrus always dreaded. The building of this project seemed to drag forever onward. He tried to take satisfaction as each part came together in these long hours, as his dreams of pen and ink took on solid reality in stone and steel, but always there came these moments. The times when he knew he was going on only because if he were to stop now, he might never finish.
The insects droned endlessly in his ears, the humid air made his wardrobe cling to him, and the women and children below only reminded him of how long it had been since he had spent time with his own family. A hot breeze brought him scents of tropic flowers inland, and he thought longingly of home..and of Catherine.She had returned to the Myst Ages to tend their gardens for their own winter provisions, and he had sent Achenar & Sirrus with her to assist with the gathering and canning, and to ready trade items for other needed supplies.
