Who’s writing all this, anyway?

My nose hurts because of chivalry.

Apparently taking the high road is not like taking the highway.

The Groom told me this would happen. How did he know?

I know lots of smart people who say lots of pretty things about the high road.

Today, I’m wondering if they’ve ever been up here.

And where is that iguana? He can always make sense of these things.

He was a little chameleon when I found him. We helped each other.

He’s growing up big and strong now. He never comes up here.

I guess he doesn’t like heights.

And he doesn’t like me to tell you his name, so don’t ask.

My name is Rathbrook. Rathbrook the Bound.

Later I’m known as “Restill, the Builder.”

But I don’t know that yet.

I do know about taking care of the Land. It’s pretty much all the Groom talks about.

Some say he’s a little teched.

“A man may not just traipse about as he likes. A man always takes care of the Land first!”

So here I am, taking the long way around. Maybe I’m the crazy one.

That’s what the other boys yelled at me.

Words may not break your bones but they can hurt your nose.

Maybe it’s different in your world. Here, words become real things and fall out on the ground.

Or get flown through the air, some of them. All shapes and colors.

My favorite words are hard to find. I made them once.

It felt like someone else was speaking when it happened.

They come out all shiny and fuzzy on the outside, firm in the middle.

Like a pipe cleaner. But heavier. I like the way they feel in my hands.

The lizard says that’s silly. He has a tongue like a whetstone.

He can fly the sharpest thoughts with his mouth chisel.

He was hiding in the workshop by the Cabin when I found him.

Did I mention we’re good friends?

I grew up at the Cabin. It was a good, friendly place.

All the people from that place said “you will build a great house someday.”

I don’t know why I carry their words in my backpack.

They are heavy. Maybe it makes me feel important…

No time for that now. I have important things to tell you.

About the Cabin, the Groom, and Lucid.

Oops, please don’t tell him I told you his name.

Important things later. I have to go to work now.

I’m a Wordsayer.

I use sturdy words to help others build their houses up high.

I think it would be called carpentry in your world?

Your world sounds cool.

Maybe I can come visit… would you have me?

I’ll buy the coffee.  Or whisky.  Or whatever you like to drink.