
In the silvered night, he steals down alleys, ferrying old books from the library to secret caches. The Pure are already calling beyond the walls. When they enter the city, they’ll root out heresy with a great bonfire and smashing of icons. Corpses will swing from the gates.
The librarian isn’t sure whether astronomical texts, and studies of verse are heretical. But he suspects they may be. He believes the invaders might find the land inventory useful. And this too he bears into hiding.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Librarians are guardians of our souls as much as priests. Books need hiding as much as, more than, icons from ignorant invaders.
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You’re right, Michael
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One of my dear friends is a librarian, this rings so true.
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I’m glad it does. Thanks, Dawn
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I imagine this has happened many times in the ages. Any form of self – expression under tyrannical rule will be destroyed and suppressed. And what tyrant would want a free thinking person under their rule?
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Many many times
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So chillingly true. And now it is not just print but electronic media that will be censored too. Nice one.
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Easier to hide electronic texts and to preserve them from the barbarians
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Close to the truth this one.
gramswisewords.blogspot.com
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Thanks
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