The Crossing Beneath the Crossing

The flood in this tale arrived from below the steps.

Water climbed out between the stones while the canal remained perfectly still. At first the upper landing stayed dry. Then the water appeared there too, running downhill towards the flood that had not yet reached it.

Thornsilt was already in the shallows.

A leading tentacle tested the current. Another found the edge of the lowest step. Beneath it, where there should have been stone, something gave way.

The steps were hollow.

Inside them lay another stair, descending into black water. Along its sides were marks worn by passage. Whoever had used it had needed more room than the crossing above allowed.

The people on the landing wanted Thornsilt to block the opening. In one telling they brought boards. In another, they brought an order authorising boards, which was easier to carry but less effective against water.

Thornsilt pulled the obstruction out instead.

It was a knot of roots, driftwood and things that had once been fastened to something else. Behind it the current strengthened. The upper steps began to shake.

This is the part children interrupt.

Why open the way for a flood?

The answer takes longer than they like.

Thornsilt braced across the entrance, limbs finding purchase on both stairs. Water pressed against the broad head. Below, something moved through the dark. Then something else.

No telling gives these travellers names. Some count them by the knocks beneath the stones. Others say the knocking was only loose timber, and are asked why the timber paused whenever Thornsilt shifted.

The last knock came close to dawn.

Thornsilt drew back. The water fell through the steps as quickly as it had risen, leaving mud on the upper landing and a single piece of root turning in the canal.

The hidden stair was gone.

Those who prefer a victory say Thornsilt held back the flood. Those who live by crossings say the flood was trying to get somewhere, and Thornsilt made room.

The tale ends with the morning traffic returning. One traveller complains about the mud.

Thornsilt is still there, testing the lowest step before letting the next one pass.