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Borrowed Knowledge
April 21, 2021|Short Story

Borrowed Knowledge

Borrowed Knowledge

The constant clanking of the wagon wheels as they passed over the rails kept him awake, the dinging was impossible to ignore. Time seemed to slow down slightly, as if the train traveled between dimensions.

Although Nathan Astaros didn’t seem to mind the noise, as he studied the symbols on a scroll. It was then that the vivid image of the fire raging through Alexandria’s library flashed through his mind.

So much knowledge that we’ll never get back, Nathan thought, carefully tucking the clear plastic-covered parchment into a folder. All the secrets of a civilization lost forever. Could it be that we’ll face the same destiny?

On his last trip to Egypt he noticed how mysterious the inside of the pyramids is. There is so much we choose to ignore.

Suddenly, a change in the constant clanking of the rails caught his attention. Nathan looked out the window but found nothing out of place, his psychosis for the value of his scrolls awoke. I better get out of here.

Nathan placed the folder in his briefcase and headed for the next car. However, in front of his eyes and a few steps away a cloud of black smoke began to form. Nathan took a step back, not knowing what was happening. From the portal appeared two slender creatures with oversized heads and fanged mouths.

There was no time to wait and see what would happen. Somehow Nathan knew exactly what he had to do, pulling out one of the scrolls and reading it aloud.

The creatures took a while to regain balance after their appearance, long enough for Nathan to finish casting the spell. One of the demons prepared to attack.

Nathan was surprised to see a light unfold from within him, slightly pushing everyone around, blinding the creatures for an instant. When Nathan managed to see what was happening he noticed that his outfit had changed, now he was wearing silver armor, the scrolls and the briefcase were transformed into a book that hung from his waist by a chain, and in his hand he noticed a sword.

The creatures looked at him and fear could be seen on their faces. Immediately, they turned and run, fleeing.

Nathan froze, trying to understand what was happening. When a new portal of black smoke opened at the other end of the car. People began to run when they saw the new creature appear, it was very different from the previous ones, its large and sturdy body, with horns on its head.

The messages came clear after reading the scroll, although this was the first time Nathan had experienced the science of a lost civilization. He grabbed the sword’s hilt with both hands and turned to face the creature.

“Let’s not make this any more difficult than it has to be,” the demon said to Nathan’s surprise. “Give me the book and no one will get hurt.”

The demon looked too calm for the situation. Nathan wasn’t about to give up so easily. “Over my dead body.”

“It will be a pleasure.”

Nathan felt safe… different from his normal state. Even holding the hilt of the sword in his hands was something he seemed to be used to, although it was the first time he had felt this power.

The creature approached slowly, its gaze fixed on the man in silver armor.

“Not one more step…” Nathan said.

“Do you think this is a game?” the beast asked as it stopped. “Are you scared?”

Nathan didn’t know what he was doing, but he plucked up his courage and attacked, swinging his sword against the creature.

The demon grabbed the blade with one hand. “You are not a worthy rival.”

“What do you want from me?” Nathan asked, trying to retrieve the sword from the demon’s grasp.

“Should I repeat myself?” The creature pulled the sword and struck Nathan with its shoulder. Throwing the man down the corridor of the carriage.

Nathan noticed that the blow didn’t hurt him and he got up. To his surprise the sword was in his hand again.

“Don’t make this any more difficult than it needs to be,” the creature said, slowly approaching.

Nathan cleared his mind, concentrating on what was happening; letting go. He took the sword with two hands and charged.

The demon was shocked and leapt backwards to evade the attack. But Nathan continued, approaching the creature with every step. The beast had to jump to the side and managed to continue evading the attacks. Nathan noticed his sword lighting up in a different way, as if it radiated.

The expression in the demon’s face changed, concentrating to avoid being struck by a swing of the sword. “You learn fast.”

Nathan felt sure of himself, noticing his movements getting him closer and closer to his target. But in that instant he was unable to see the creature approach and couldn’t avoid getting caught by a wrist. Then he felt a claw around his neck.

“You never had a chance,” said the demon, tearing the book hanging from the belt. He then threw Nathan against the side of the wagon.

Nathan tried to get up, noticing that his armor had disappeared.

“Knowledge is our domain,” said the demon holding the book with his hand. Then a black fire began to consume the pages until it was destroyed and ashes fell to the ground.

Nathan watched the creature vanish.

94 comments
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Sebastian Iturralde

I am a fiction blogger and lover of literature, art, and all things creative. As a citizen of this beautiful planet, I am constantly inspired by the natural world around me.

94 comments

  • April 21, 2021 at 11:20 am

    šŸ˜šŸ˜

  • April 21, 2021 at 11:25 am

    Good

  • April 21, 2021 at 8:17 pm

    Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding manifesting from a unique story
    in history of struggle, process, and success!

  • April 21, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    A story where unique bringed the gap between creativity and innovation toreah more than 1 goal!

  • April 22, 2021 at 4:36 am

    Great information.I can quickly refer to it and show others. Also, glad to know that we
    are doing some of this stuff on our own blog https://bit.ly/3en4u0X

  • April 22, 2021 at 4:43 pm

    I was instantly sucked into this story. I couldn’t move my eyes from the screen until I’d read the last word. Well done, Author, well done!

  • April 23, 2021 at 2:05 am

    Lovely writing. šŸ’›šŸ˜˜šŸ”„šŸ™ŒšŸæšŸ™ŒšŸ¼šŸ™ŒšŸ¾šŸ™ŒšŸ½

  • April 24, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    Absolutely loved it.

  • April 24, 2021 at 6:56 pm

    Lovely šŸ’•šŸ˜˜

  • April 26, 2021 at 7:16 am

    Great, lovely play on the words “knowledge is power”

  • April 26, 2021 at 7:29 am

    Halo, I saw your like on my site so I visted and you are a nice Human…. Wait let me read the blog and give it a like .

  • April 26, 2021 at 7:32 am

    That was intense! Muy buena!

    • April 26, 2021 at 10:01 am

      “Woman is the Moral Fiber of Civlization.” _-Van Prince

    • April 26, 2021 at 4:07 pm

      I remember looking out of the wagon’s window and staring into a universe filled with adventures.

  • April 26, 2021 at 7:36 am

    This was a marvelous post and I gave you the 160th like

  • April 26, 2021 at 1:20 pm

    Fascinating

  • April 27, 2021 at 7:18 pm

    No, You actually liked my most recent post. Are you anywhere around Asheville? I think it’s going to be a good time in Sylva on May 28th!

  • April 27, 2021 at 11:00 pm

    This is so amazing and was very fun to read .

  • April 28, 2021 at 12:00 am

    Wow, what a story. Suspenseful like he savage tug of war between good and evil.

  • April 28, 2021 at 8:14 am

    Fun story, loved the ending I didn’t see coming and how “knowledge” ties in.

  • April 28, 2021 at 11:17 am

    Love old trains! glancing at your post, your favorite color must be black1 Thanks for linking my posts!

    • April 29, 2021 at 9:57 am

      Old trains are amazing. Actually, my favorite color is not black but light-on-dark is better for the eyes of my readers.

  • Dew
    April 29, 2021 at 2:10 am

    I think I just saw a movie running in my head whilst reading this. Am glad to stumbling into you. thank you for visiting my blog. If not, I would have not found you šŸ™‚

    • April 29, 2021 at 10:07 am

      It’s a great coincidence; it also makes me happy.

      • Dew
        April 29, 2021 at 10:57 pm

        glad that it makes you also happy. we need that a lot these days.

  • April 29, 2021 at 11:15 am

    Wow very intriguing this reminds me of Revelations. Only difference God gets the victory in the end! šŸ™ŒšŸ½šŸ™ŒšŸ½šŸ™ŒšŸ½

    • May 2, 2021 at 10:00 am

      I’m happy you enjoyed it. I’ll try to make more like this if you’d like to come back.

  • May 3, 2021 at 12:27 pm

    I like your news

  • May 3, 2021 at 3:30 pm

    Hi, I saw you liked my blog so I decided to pay a visit to yours. Reading this story affirms you are a good writer. Will be glad to learn from you.

  • May 3, 2021 at 11:34 pm

    Good morning sir šŸ™šŸ™šŸ™

  • May 4, 2021 at 1:22 am

    BEST STORY

  • May 4, 2021 at 1:26 am

    IT’S GOOD

  • May 4, 2021 at 1:31 am

    HI, YOU HAVE READ MY BLOG AND YOU LIKED IT .THANK YOU. YOUR STORY IS ALSO INTERESTING.

  • May 4, 2021 at 12:39 pm

    Thanx for sharing great info ☺☺

  • May 5, 2021 at 12:20 am

    I was just like watching a movie in my mind the actor is Nicholas Cage. I love it bro. really!!.

  • May 7, 2021 at 11:14 pm

    Yes, I Agree.

  • May 9, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    True

  • May 13, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    Love this!

    • May 14, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      I’m very glad to know that you love it, I hope my other stories have the same effect.

  • May 14, 2021 at 12:39 pm

    Love It!

    • May 14, 2021 at 6:48 pm

      It is also one of my favorites, I hope you find other stories that are to your liking.

  • May 18, 2021 at 6:59 am

    Awesome!!

    • May 18, 2021 at 10:45 am

      I’m happy that you enjoyed it, and I hope to see you back soon.

  • May 19, 2021 at 2:45 am

    Love these short bites of wisdom.

    • May 19, 2021 at 8:46 am

      Thank you very much for your compliment, although my tales aren’t always filled with knowledge. I hope you also enjoy my other stories.

  • May 27, 2021 at 6:34 am

    Your way of using words are so fantastic 😳
    I really think I will learn a lot from you, Sir.

  • June 1, 2021 at 2:33 am

    Gah, no it hasn’t. It’s just given more attention to one branch over another. All branches are still intact.

  • June 1, 2021 at 2:36 am

    Nice story though. šŸ™‚

  • June 3, 2021 at 9:58 am

    So true šŸ˜

  • June 6, 2021 at 8:36 am

    This is a good mix of show and tell. Telling only works well in graphic novels (comic books) and TV and movies. But a mixture of show and tell works well in publications because they stimulate the imagination. And remember, demons always appear as angels of light. It is only when we realize that they are demons that they become figures of horror. Good work.

    • June 6, 2021 at 8:49 am

      “Politics has its place and it’s an unforgettable story in history; and
      in America, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have poison Politics!” _-Van Prince

    • June 7, 2021 at 11:13 am

      Mary, excellent observation.

  • June 11, 2021 at 6:36 am

    It sounds like todays cooperate technocratic systems, absorbing all knowledge and turning it in to a commodity only to be excessed by a chosen few, or those people on the inside. The question is, how many idealists will need to be sacrificed, before knowledge becomes common good again?

    • June 12, 2021 at 12:48 pm

      The real problem lies in the lack of enthusiasm that society has to follow other paths of knowledge.

  • June 13, 2021 at 6:35 am

    Epic imagination šŸ‘Œ

  • July 1, 2021 at 6:02 am

    wow, I like your stories . Kindly share your email or number with me

  • August 8, 2021 at 10:58 am

    Really well written material, you took me to an adventure that’s for sure!

  • August 9, 2021 at 1:59 am

    The way to face our fears is not to turn and run but find out why they’re here and walk right through them like doors. And then walk on the new path with stronger hopes that those monsters get smaller and easier as the paths get longer and more green and dense with life.

  • August 22, 2021 at 12:41 am

    This is an excellent blend of mystical fantasy with industrial modernity. The worldbuilding is excellent. You’ve done a great job of filling the mind with imaginings of the where the magic aspects come from and how they relate to the larger world.

  • March 28, 2022 at 4:34 pm

    Right on my man!

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    Author's Note
    The Andes' highlands served as a source of inspiration for this short story. I hope you'll find the same beauty and wonder in its words that I did while crafting it.
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