Excerpt: EdMo: "A Place Without Walls"

PROLOGUE

I led the group inside the Castle or further inside to be precise. Yet another group of people looking around curiously, first at the courtyard and stable, then at the Great Outer Entryway with its rococo gilt trim designed specifically to dazzle new arrivals. Everything in the Castle was designed with a purpose and I took some pride in my role as architect.
“Welcome to your new home,” I said, making a halfhearted attempt at gravitas.
One of them replied, “Thank you. It’s an honor to be invited to join the royal retinue.” There were murmurs of agreement from the others as we made our way along the glittering hall.
“You may find the Castle to be different from the life you’re used to. Obviously, being among the court entails new responsibilities. But we also have our own traditions, our established rituals. I’m sure that you’ll adapt in short order.”
I continued with my usual welcoming spiel. How many times I’d given the introduction I really couldn’t say; I lost count decades ago. These days, there was a predictability to it. Each group contained different individuals, of course, yet the overall flow was so similar.
This group was energetic, twittering like agitated sparrows, caught in the initial rush of excitement that comes with any major change in life. They saw me as the guide who could help them navigate through these strange waters. They thought that I was to be their tutor simply because that was my disguise. They’d be more frightened if they could see what I really was.
They asked the usual questions about the people and history of this place. I gave the usual answers. Of course I didn’t tell them everything. What would happen to our puzzles if we always received answers as soon as questions were asked? What value would we ascribe to knowledge if it came so readily?
“It is only because I value knowledge that I cannot tell you,” I replied to one question. It provoked a scattering of frowns. Unsurprisingly, they didn’t comprehend my perspective.
We kept walking through the outer halls. In front of the pack, my measured stride carried me across the worn and familiar marble floor that I’d crossed so often. I heard their steps echoing behind me as if they were a congregation of my shadows.