Episode 39- The Arrival of Temperance

Hello all.

It occurs to me that I might have startled some of you last week with my little announcement about my health.

If that’s the case, rest easy. I’m still here and I’m not going anywhere.

I have very smart folks monitoring me and while the lack of urgency is frustrating, it is also probably a good thing.

‘Cuz if people are running toward you, it’s usually for a bad reason.

Anyway, please forgive the author for letting a little everyday angst leak into his fantasy story.

I’ll try not to let it happen too often.

No promises, of course.

We’re about to hit a major stride in the story that I call “The Queen’s Arc”. It’s a nice long narrative dedicated to the Queen of Swords.

I was very nervous writing it, because it takes focus off of Alice for a very long time.

My writing partner felt strongly, however, that it was necessary for us to do this so that we could understand the Queen a bit better.

My writing partner also doesn’t really like Alice all that much -_-

We’ll win her over yet.

ext. the valley of the bones morning

At the party’s camp near the cliffside. The Knight of Cups sits at the fire, still smoking his pipe. Alice is across from him, sitting cross-legged. The Pale Horse, in natural form, stands off to the side of the camp. The Queen of Swords remains alone near the cliffside, scanning the horizon.

ALICE
(to Knight)
Who ever heard of a dream you could not wake up from?

VOICE
I believe we call that a nightmare…

The new voice belongs to a man standing at the head of the path from whence the party came. The man is dressed in a simple white robe, his long, golden locks of hair generously spilling out across the shoulders, glinting in the morning sun. He holds a gold chalice in each hand, one full, one empty. His face practically beams as he speaks, indeed, his entire personage seems aglow like a figure depicted in a classic Biblical painting. When he speaks, his voice carries the pleasant tin ring of brass. This is the Major Arcana TEMPERANCE.

The Knight of Cups is the first to recognize him. He scrambles to his feet in and nearly falls right back over in his exaggerated attempt at a bow. If not for Alice catching the Knight, he’d certainly fall forward straight into the fire.

KNIGHT OF CUPS
M-my lord, Temperance. A blessing and an honor to meet you upon the road.

Temperance does not move, but regards the Knight with a warmth that carries a hidden edge- not quite smug, but not quiet respectful either.

TEMPERANCE
Such an elaborate display of respect does not suit me, Knight of Cups. A simpler bow owuld do. Or a firm handshake. Respect tempered with brevity. Equality in all things is essential, no?

At this, Temperance enters the camp and takes a seat at the fire, easily dropping into the lotus position. He sets his chalices to the side and regards the party as naturally as a friendly acquaintance might.

TEMPERANCE
Yes, yes, a well shaped group! I like it very much. Four. A very even number. We have a knight. A queen. Pale Horse…I must say you’re a surprise. But even you-

Temperance points at Alice.

TEMPERANCE
Match very nicely with her. Yes, all things fit together very nicely. This is very equal.

PALE HORSE
So the Major Arcana of the Tower now walk the open road?

TEMPERANCE
We have our freedom, Pale Horse, same as you. We just don’t exercise it so carelessly. There must be a balance between fancy and responsibility. Speaking of fancy…

Temperance eyes the group once more.

TEMPERANCE
(wistful)
Alas, it seems I’ve missed a reunion with my dear brother, after all. Not to mention his protege.

ALICE
Do you mean the Devil?

TEMPERANCE
(smiling)
Very astute. Yes. That…Devil…is my kin, I’m afraid. One of several. I come from a big family. Most of us get along. But he isn’t here, is he? No, I can see he is not. He has a way of leaving his…mark…on his surroundings. Some cannot simply exist quietly.

Temperance seems dejected at this.

PALE HORSE
So the Devil is a fugitive these days? I might have guessed. And you’re in search of him.

TEMPERANCE
Tsk, tsk Pale Horse. That is merely a sidequest. I have taken the road primarily to gain perspective. How can one have an even perspective when always viewing things from a place soooo high as the tower? One must also view things from thiiiiis low. From your view, for instance.

PALE HORSE
How gracious.

ALICE
But…who are you?

Temperance appears taken aback by this- but also amused. In all things, he flashes between dueling emotions- soft and edge.

KNIGHT OF CUPS
Alice, this is Temperance. A Major Arcana. Major Arcana, you’ll recall, are the strongest of Arcana’s Cards. Temperance is a part of an elite House of Cards charged with overseeing the operations of the Tower.

TEMPERANCE
(cutting in)
He' exaggerates, of course. We merely hold our side of the scale. For all our strength, we are still equaled by the Minor Arcana, who although coooooooooonsiderably weaker-

He flashes a knowing look at the Queen of Swords, who as of yet continues to watch the chance meeting from a distance, her expressionless mask giving way to no reaction.

TEMPERANCE
-still equal us by virtue of their sheer numbers. The houses do adore their little knights and horses and pages and maids, after all.

ALICE
I’m a Major Arcana too!

TEMPERANCE
(a cloud passes over his countenance…very seriously…)

Are you, now.