The Cult of Saint Guthlac
The Cult of Saint Guthlac was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan in 2020 through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.
Description[edit | edit source]
Eivor found a monk near a broken cart and decided to help.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
The monk called out to Eivor.
- Anglo-Saxon Man: O! Me apple cart hath fallen! These apples must be eaten. They are too juicy to be left to rot!
Eivor approached him.
- Eivor: You have lost your apples.
- Anglo-Saxon Man: But I have. A devilish wind took me over, and I worry for them. But I've saved the finest and juiciest. O! These apples explode in your mouth with the iridescent light of Jesus.
- Eivor: What makes them special? An apple is an apple, no?
- Anglo-Saxon Man: O, I beg to differ, my friend! You see, every year we make the pilgrimage to the west, Hamme's farm.
- Eivor: Farmer Hamme to the west?
- Anglo-Saxon Man: Yes, we call him "The Hammer." And his apples are fine, have this sweet iron tinge in them. My friends have already made it back. They are surely feasting already, but... I fell on some misfortune. Me cart busted. O, if only me back wasn't knotted like a dying oak.
Eivor read the letter lying by the cart.
Dear Brother Guthwort of Guthlac's Cult
She picked up the crate of apples by the cart.
- Anglo-Saxon Man: O, eternal thanks for carrying the crate!
The two chatted as they walked to a nearby farm together.
- Eivor: I'll be happy to share in the bounty of these apples with you once we meet up with your friend.
- Anglo-Saxon Man: O, surely. We will share the Lord's work with ye. The iron tinge, you will taste it. We all have earned it after fasting.
- Eivor: Fasting? Is that when you lack food for your god?
- Anglo-Saxon Man: Yes. We show our devotion. Remove distraction. But now, we give in to the fruits of our Creator's Work. Sharing an apple with a friend is the most sublime experience... O!
- Eivor: It is nice to sometimes sit back and simply enjoy an apple.
- Anglo-Saxon Man: With our fortune always changing in life, it is important to enjoy simple pleasures...
They neared the farm.
- Anglo-Saxon Man: O I am so excited for you [to] see my friend and eat apples with us. The act of walking, the pilgrimage we are going on!
- Anglo-Saxon Man: We will prostrate ourselves for Guthlac at the end of this glorious pilgrimage. Drown in his reward.
They arrived at the farm.
- Anglo-Saxon Man: Here we are! Our tiny sanctuary. Join in prayer for the apples if you like. We bob.
- Eivor: Bob?
- Anglo-Saxon Man: It is the only way to piously reap the reward of our Holy Father. Praise be to Him.
- Anglo-Saxon Man 2: O, Brother Holthwulf, and you've made a friend as well. Good to have you back!
Eivor set the crate of apples down while the two monks said a prayer in Latin before Brother Holthwulf started bobbing. She read a note on the table outside the house.
Two Poems Concerning Guthlac
- Guthlac
His life on the couch of God was one of piety and devotion. Living from the mud and with the birds, the angels did visit him. They told him the proper way of living without jewels, without fatty meals and glory-whores. With a spirit occupying your pious bones, and spring in your step so that the angels hear your song and match it thus.
Guthlac B
No one lives proper any longer. After all the joy He brought us, who abandon the blood-soaked scrolls of sin-seared thrones remain on a great path. Find a corner in the world and eat the apples our orchards provide. For otherwise we are doomed.
Outcome[edit | edit source]
Eivor carried the crate of apples for the monk to a nearby farmhouse.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
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The monk sharing his woes with Eivor. -
Eivor helping the monk to carry the cart of apples. -
Eivor and the monk reached their destination.
