Divergence

By David. B. Reynolds-Moreton

A long time ago, a race of people had to escape their home world and find somewhere else to live. Having found one, over time they broke up into smaller groups, each thinking they had the ‘right’ way. Manlen wasn’t convinced his lot had the ‘right’ way, and set about to change things - more than somewhat!

• Language: English
• Publisher: David. B. Reynolds-Moreton
• Release date: Aug 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476176635

David. B. Reynolds-Moreton

Retired Research & Development Engineer. Interests:- Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Renewable Energy Systems. Also:- writing Sci-Fi and building an adult realtime 3D adventure computor game.

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Divergence

By

David B. Reynolds-Moreton

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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Divergence

Copyright © 2012 by D.B.Reynolds-Moreton

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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Table of contents

Chapter 1 Conflict

Chapter 2 Rejection

Chapter 3 A Good Suggestion

Chapter 4 The Metal Workers

Chapter 5 The River

Chapter 6 The Tunnel to…

Chapter 7 A New Home

Other Books by the same Author

About the Author

SYNOPSIS

A long time ago, a race of people had to escape their home world and find somewhere else to live. Having found one, over time they broke up into smaller groups, each thinking they had the ‘right’ way. Manlen wasn’t convinced his lot had the ‘right’ way, and set about to change things - more than somewhat!

DIVERGENCE

Chapter1

Conflict

Manlen left the Hall of Supplication fuming, as he did every morning, cursing himself for stupidly following the dictates of the Holy men - whom he secretly despised for their irrational beliefs, and the fact that they could make life very awkward for those who didn't follow their doctrine to the letter.

As the Supplicants streamed out of the building with their heads discreetly bowed, he noticed an old acquaintance of his looking as fed up as he felt. Manlen carefully manoeuvred his way through the slowly moving throng until he was walking beside his quarry.

'Hey, feel like a drink Glen?' he quietly muttered, so as to not be overheard by the others close by.

'You know we shouldn't drink for two hours after Supplication,' Glen replied out of the corner of his mouth. 'I don't want any more trouble than I've got already.'

'Oh come on - who's to know,' Manlen retorted, his irritation level going up another notch. 'I'm fed up with all this bloody clap-trap, if I want a drink, I'll damned well have one - it isn't going to harm anyone.'

'Alright,' Glen replied quietly, 'you go ahead, and I'll come over a little later - I know where you live, but I have some things to do first.'

The two men parted, Manlen striding ahead - already tasting the tingling sensation of his homebrew in his mind.

Much later, Glen furtively tapped on his back door, Manlen had two glasses out, filled to the brim with his most potent liquor, and a couple of comfy chairs set around the merrily blazing fire.

Opening the door, Glen sidled in as if he was committing a grade three sin, and was about to be found out.

'Sit yourself down there,' said Manlen, indicating the best chair, 'and try a drop of this - it'll keep out the winter chills and help you to think straight - that's if you don't have too much,' he added with a chuckle, and then dimmed the oil lights a little.

When both were seated, and a few sips of Manlen's firewater had been sampled, Glen began the conversation.

'Well, I'm here - so what do you want to talk to me about - it can't be just for a drink,' he added quietly, fearful that somehow they might be overheard. Manlen took a deep breath, another sip of his drink, and looking Glen squarely in the eye, said,

'How do you feel about the supplications each day, the stupid rules we have to follow, and how we have to hand over a goodly chunk of our earnings to the Priesthood? We do all the work, they take the earnings, and do sod all in exchange.'

Glen's face paled in the flickering light from the fire, and he leaned forward.

'You really want to get us both into trouble? You know such things must not be discussed - we just accept what we are taught and follow the rules - it's for the good of all,' he added as an after thought.

'No, it's not.' Manlen retorted. 'That's why I want to talk about it. It's for the good of them, we don't come into it. I'm truly fed up with all this nonsense - why do we have to believe it? There's no proof of the clap-trap they come up with - no one has ever benefited from any of their crazy carryings on, and I for one want out of this pointless way of life.'

'You'll certainly be out of it, if any of this gets outside these four walls,' Glen retorted, 'and not just loss of privileges - it'll mean being totally outcast - a non person - a nothing - no one will dare speak to you, or do a trade, or anything.'

'It will only get out if you let it out, and I somehow don't think you'll do that.' Manlen replied, confidently. 'I've noticed for sometime how inspired you look after the morning Supplication, so don’t tell me you're all for it. Let's be really frank about these pointless rituals - do you really follow it all? Do you really believe all that rubbish they tell you? I wouldn't mind betting you don't.'

For a moment Glen looked frightened, and seemed to sink back into his chair as if it would protect him from the wrath which would surely come from having even considered the matter. Manlen almost felt sorry for the man, but he felt he was right.

The brew had the effect of freeing off inhibitions and loosening the tongue, if not taken in excess, and the desired point had been reached as far as Manlen was concerned.

'Well, to be honest,' began Glen, leaning forward a little so he didn't have to speak so loudly, 'I don’t believe in it all - but it does give us a stable sort of life - that's if we follow the rules - although I must admit, I don't like 'em all. But what else can we do? Where can we go? We're not allowed to travel to other towns or settlements, only the priests do that for trading, and if we get thrown out of the congregation……….?'

'And that's another point,' Manlen interjected, 'the priests do the trading with the goods we manufacture, and no doubt take a nice little cut while they're at it - bearing in mind they have already taken a cut of our earnings. Seems to me they are on to a really good thing; they don't work as such, and live like Lords - and we do all the labouring, I think it's about time for a change.'

'You're talking heresy, Manlen, why do you want to change things? Life isn't too bad - anyway, it's always