A few posts earlier, I shared a collage of named ‘Valley of the Giants’. I took some time to dwell on it. And finally came around to writing an excerpt about them.
Please remember that all original writing published here is protected under copyright by virtue of authorship.
For the first time, I thought I dreamed in my sleep. Although the land of the spirits and dragons is common enough to the minds of men, this place was but the echo of an echo. A memory deep as the ocean itself, lurking in the depths of our history. Since that night I have seldom slept and as unearthly as it may seem, have also been too afraid to slip back into a Sleepwalker state. Instead, I have written and burnt these words into the dying flame of my study. Two times I have not written the account its justice, but yet I persist. There are more noble fears than the disrespect of my peers. The fear that no one will be able to decide for themselves whether they believe the words I write.
The account begins at the coastal town of Shim’a, where I still remain to resolve my business with the Count. I, along with many of the other delegates were partaking in drink after our long negotiations. The Count was adamant we take out his ship, The Constance, and celebrate with revelry within the harbour.
I found myself dozing across the floor of the stateroom after copious amounts of Thylian wine, slipping into the halfworld. It was then that the most peculiar thought occurred to me, that I’d never walked across the bottom of the sea within this state. The rhythmic lapping of the water called out to me, and welcomed me with joy when I flung myself off the boat.
I swam with ease to the bottom, holding my breath for as long as I could. When I remembered I was in the world between the worlds I could not contain my laughter. I was not even breathing, not really. But my body insists on the notions of humanity.
It was dark and I could only draw closer to the subtle light emanating from a far way off. A school of fish swam through me from time to time but none seemed to perceive my presence. I waded on, closer to the source of the light. I was delighted to see it came from an underwater ravine, which opened up wide enough to swim down into.
I regretted this instantly. Not because of what I saw, but for being so cavalier. For I was instantly surrounded by swarming, little lights. They clung to me, as impossible as it sounds. At first I was impressed, only to be terrified moments later when the hand of a god reached from further in the depths to clutch at me.
The palm was larger than my entire figure, each finger taller than any building I’d ever seen in my life. It clasped me within its hold and pulled me down. My instinct was to release myself from the halfworld, but the little swimming lights prevented me. Do not ask me how I know this, but I felt their pride in this ability. The rush of being pulled down so fast simulated my nausea. I was disorientated when the hand finally released me. I took my time to calm my senses, to organise my mind. To formulate the only plan that would come to mind. I would find a way to be free of these attached swimmers and release my form to return to my body. However, when I saw the city all these thoughts fled. The sheer scale constituted I bow to my knees in worship. I could not comprehend what I was looking at. A small town, maybe only a village. Built entirely in the depths of the harbour. Each building the size of tall hills in a style so ancient. They primarily used moss covered, stone. But yet there was chiselled ornamentation, detail of a seismic proportion. I looked behind me to see what I knew must be there. The hand that had released me belonged to a Giant. If we’d been standing above the land, they would have towered as high as the highest clouds. They would have been able to juggle the Floating Islands as I could with apples. The creature smiled down at me, exposing a mountainous set of teeth. I am ashamed to say I screamed. I knew it was merely laughing at me, but I still could not stop my screaming. I feared my mind had broken, that this was what a ‘dream’ truly was.
“You wanted to know the source of the light. Now you know, little Sleepwalker. If you ever come here again, I will trap you and eat you. You know I can,” it said before returning to its laugher.
I awoke still shouting in fear, seeing that towering, gleeful face burned into my vision. I could not stop imagining being swallowed or crushed underfoot, knowing a snap of its jaw could obliterate me like an ant. Only when a delegate I’d arrived with to the celebration slapped me viciously did I quiet down. I said it had been a bad dream, and was met with an uproar of laughter. Apparently, that was the funniest joke The Count had ever heard. I played off my behaviour that night as the drink not agreeing with me. Yet, it has been another night and day but I still cannot sleep. The face of the Giant wrinkled with glee haunts me.
Each time find myself dozing from exhaustion, I wake in fitful sweat. I hear the words of the Giant pounding through my skull, its hungry eyes bathing me. I picture in my mind, the ocean drying up to reveal a thousand Giants even larger. All of them rising out to reclaim the land, and laughing as they eat all the humans of the world. I realise now that these imaginings are not possible dreams, but nightmares. I know I will lie awake as I did the other nights.
For I still see the face of the Giant, waiting for me to come back.
Waiting, to eat me.”
— Hidden Writings of Sleepwalker Mage Vitreal, found within the northern caves of Thanen.
This one was a bit of a challenge. My days have been hectic and this blog has become a sweet little output for me. I’m about to start a new job so I’ll have less time for blogging, but I know I’ll still be trying to make time.
Check out my other posts if you’re interested in reading more about this world of mine. Here is a link to the digital collage I made about the Giants.
Thanks for reading, if you enjoyed it until the end consider liking or sharing it. Even if you hated it, comment your scathing review below.
It means more than you know.
Andy Montajes 
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