An Exercise in Fiction: Part 1
Fiction is the gymnasium for writing, it is where techniques and creativity can be created, destroyed, recreated, and flexed. Therefore, today it is time for this writer to attempt at writing a piece of fiction, and for the first time publish it. Deep breath. Here we go.
Part 1: Exposition, the hero is met, the basic rules of the world are set.
A cold palette of color streams into view, a skyline of rectangular lights luminates the chill night. A numbing gust rushes into Kubya’s military issued grey jacket. Tightening his grip around his body, his hunched figure longingly gazes towards the city — the dream — of Nemanade. He had sacrificed his life at Nadatise, his home, where he had grown and where he last smiled.
In school, on the farm, everywhere, he heard stories. His brother had rushed in the day he learned that a school in the great city had accepted him. His father had instructed his brother to go dig up as much gold as he can from that city, “you will see it lying on the street and under every tree.” His mother had wept but smiled and told his brother that he will need to learn how to cook, and sew himself. His brother left seven years before him. He did not have the brains, but he was strongest for his age — at least in Nadatise. So when the military recruiters came calling he joined up for the Urban Guards. Fortunately, he was assigned to the big city.
Ecstasy flourishes in him as he remembers that moment, reading his name on the list titled Nemanade Garrison. What has it been, four years now. His brother must be doing well in the city by now, maybe if he just met him once his fortune would change again. It was nice to gaze upon the city, rejuvenating sometimes, but if only he could step onto its gold laden streets — just once. Even from twenty five miles away the city was magnificent, its luminesce shimmering like the rising sun on the Propast lake surrounding it. Waves from the Besplatno Ocean would slap the other side of the wall, it was pleasant but nothing compared to the laughter of people which that city must be echoing with. Kubya sometimes wondered which one would be deeper, the Propast or the Besplatno. Both sat on either side of the wall, the ocean was more violent while the lake much more calmer. It was a pointless endeavor, Kubya shifts his gaze towards the ocean, “Something must be out there causing you to ruckus Besplatno, maybe I would meet that something.”
“Corporal Ivan Kubya,” a short mustached man approaching retirement, named Sergeant Staras, barked.
“Hail Kraj, Sir.”
“Hail Kraj, this is Private Sophia Aleksey. She has been assigned to Nemanade Garrison Unit Four Lesinar. You are assigned as her mentor. Understood.”
“Sir, Yes Sir.”
“Hail Kraj.”
“Hail Kraj.”
The woman, slightly taller than the Sergeant with bright crimson hair, and a stern expression, salutes Kubya. He nods, and motions for her to stand across from him, near the Besplatno side of the wall. Some time passes in silence, then the barks of officers from a different unit break it along with the light of dawn. Kubya and the woman salute their replacements and head towards the armory to turn in their weapons. Kubya then heads to the mess hall, followed closely by the woman. They sit across from each other in silence as they eat their breakfast. Then they head to their unit’s sleeping quarters where their silence is interrupted by greetings. The woman is soon surrounded, Kubya brushes his teeth and puts on his sleeping outfit.
“Thank you, sir,” a composed gentle voice. Kubya turns and nods at his new pupil and heads to sleep.
Part 2: Rising Action, will be written and published on October 4, 2020.
Many names in this story are inspired by the Serbian Language and Russian History.
