Strange Perceptions by Chuck Heintzelman Read Free Book Online

presumed.
    Sighing, I selected an apple from the basket and took a bite. The sweet juice filled my mouth. I opened the door and peered out.
    “Can I help you, sir?” asked a guard posted outside my door.
    “Thought I’d take a walk,” I said.
    “You must remain in your room. Ealdred’s orders.”
    I shut my door, turned around, and hurled the apple against the wall. It burst into pieces.
    I wasn’t even tired and they expected me lie down and sleep like a good little dog. Why had the gods cursed me into winning the lottery? I grabbed another apple, hefted it and cocked my arm back, ready to throw it with all my might. Instead I just let the apple roll from my fingers and fall to the floor.
    What were my options? There wasn’t an opponent I could fight. Just fate and how does one fight fate? I could escape and live my life somewhere far away, but then what would become of my family?
    What would happen during the transfer ceremony? I had the vague knowledge that every hundred years the current wizard transfers all his knowledge to his successor. What would happen to Ealdred after the transfer? More importantly, what would happen to me? Ealdred had said I wouldn’t exist. Was I just a fresh body for him to occupy? Surely, even if tomorrow meant my death they’d take care of my family.
    I picked up the apple I had dropped and plopped onto the bed. What will be will be. There was nothing I could do. Hopefully things would work out but I had no control over the outcome.
    After finishing the apple I tossed the core out the window and laid on the bed without bothering to undress or get under the blankets. I had done no physical work today, just hours of waiting and standing for Cleland, yet I was more tired than I would’ve been plowing a field all day.
    Cleland didn’t seem to be a bad guy. Strange, yes, but harmless. Helpful even. Maybe in the morning I’d seek his advice.
    I closed my eyes.

    The next morning Cleland barged into my room, his mouth moving non-stop.
    “Get up, Boy. Much to do. Ooh, this is so exciting. People began gathering in the courtyard three hours ago. There’ll be thousands of spectators. Come now, get up.”
    I swung my feet out of bed, sat up, and rubbed my eyes.
    Cleland was a sight. He wore knee-length, green britches and a puffy, yellow shirt so bright it was hard to look at. Over the shirt he wore a white vest which seemed to be made entirely of feathers. He wore green, yellow, and white—our flag’s colors—and looked oddly patriotic.
    “Let’s go, Tayte,” Cleland said. “Time’s wasting.”
    I stood and stretched.
    “Your clothing is ready.” He pointed next to the window at a mannequin dressed in the outfit he had created for me.
    “Here.” He handed me a cup. “This tea will calm your nerves.”
    I sipped the hot beverage. “What happens during the ceremony?”
    “Ooh, it will be amazing. There are two platforms. You and Ealdred each lie on one. Then the transfer happens and you’ll receive all the knowledge of Ealdred and all those before him.”
    I wanted to ask what would happen to Ealdred, but for some reason when I opened my mouth, nothing came up.
    “When it is over,” Cleland continued, “you will be the new wizard and Ealdred will be no more.”
    Again, I tried to speak, but was unable. Was it the tea?
    “Come,” Cleland said, “you must get dressed.”
    With Cleland’s help I dressed in the garbs he created for me.
    After dressing, Cleland led me back to the balcony overlooking the courtyard. There were two platforms, one three feet higher than the other. Ealdred and I stood side-by-side in front of the king. He handed a silver cup to Ealdred, who drank the contents in one long guzzle. Then the king handed a silver cup to me.
    I struggled not to drink, still unable to speak. I wanted to yell, to scream, to somehow let everyone know that something was wrong. Instead, my hands took the cup and placed it to my lips. I drank the contents. It tasted like