Down The Back

She Sphinx is resting upon the settee or settle, down the back of which lies a universe unto itself and like no other.

After she had rested some time, she decided that she needs must value her search and venture into the unknown in search of the Spanner, an Assura most disruptive.

Engaging her mythical status which entailed night vision, turn to stone and shape shifting, she slipped from the known, Down the Back.

Like the legendary police box, it was bigger inside than seemed possible, soft underfoot, with a light breeze, a starry sky and a strong scent of camomile. The Sphinx, returning to its regular appearance, moved across the landscape, avoiding the piles of inky writing implements, small coins and furry sweets in wax wrappers. The shadow of an idea, the outline of an Assura and the silhouette of a manifesto, stalked the mind of the Sphinx and echoed in the surroundings.

A snake, falling sideways across the sand, waited. Can you name all the incident reports that contain the necessary? The snake asked the Sphinx, Why should the spanner/ wild goose be revealed to you?

Behind the snake, which now seemed very large, an opportunity or portal coalesced from some passing mists. You may pass if you can answer, continued the snake.

I can name all the incident reports for the last five thousand cycles, said the Sphinx, although my knowledge comes predominant out of the western world, I am none the less confident that I hold all the continents and cultures in equal regard.

Well enough, said the snake, The spanner must reveal itself in time of need, King Arthur and his cross-cultural co-workers from every corner are called forth from their slumber to do battle and guide the outcome.

The Sphinx was granted access to a king, sitting at a great round table.

King Arthur, I presume, say she Sphinx.

Well, yes and then again no, said the king, I am present in the form of King Arthur, the once and future person, but in reality, I represent all mythical figures who might one day be called upon in time of need. You can do your own research if you want to see the full list of my names. How can I help?

Well, started Sphinx, the world is in a very sorry state.

Let me stop you right there, interrupted the King, holding up a mailed gauntlet, palm first, The world has been in a sorry state since men and women first claimed a patch of scrubby ground as their own. What makes the current series of cruel and horrible conflicts any different?

I take your point, said Sphinx, But it is not so much that the conflagrations and suffering are more serious than many past times. But we, that is the Order of the Coincidence, believe that there is a moment here which may be pivotal. The widespread availability of information and news feeds has produced the potential of radical change by a single leader, movement or Assura. We are calling it the Spanner, though I can’t remember why.

Interesting, said the King, but I think that you have come to the wrong guy, I’m here to rush out and defeat an enemy. You are in need of a special object which connects to all and can make fundamental change with the turn of a leaf. My sword, Calibre, was one such, but the Lady of the Lake maintains the sword in her custody.

Would she lend it to us do you think? Asked the Sphinx.

No idea, I haven’t seen her in ages. She lives in the Lake, as her name would suggest, I’d go and visit her if you have need of a game changer.

Thank you, said the Sphinx.

She Sphinx made way, cast off and weighed anchor. In the centre of the lake, she dipped her paws in the water, by way of a calling card. The Lady of the Lake rose out the depth looking surprisingly dry.

Can I borrow the Sword of your keeping, please? Asked she Sphinx all polite, I have business with the weavers of the Tapestry of History and find requirement for an implement of some universal power to cut the threads, that they may be weaved anew in better shape.

Certainly, Oh Sphinx, said the Lady handing her the sword, just throw it back in the Lake when you’ve finished. And with all that, she and her retinue disappeared below. Then her head reappeared, and she said, Oh by the way, you will not be able to wield the sword yourself. You will have to find a creature come out the same dimension as the weavers and the weaving, else nothing will be done. Then she was gone into the deep once more.