Mark Reads “On Ordeal: Mamvish” – Chapter 1, Part I

In the first part of the first chapter of “On Ordeal: Mamvish,” this… does not begin as I thought it would. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to read Young Wizards. 

I’m reserving some of my judgment until I can better understand what is going on here, so… wow. The sheer scope of the beginning of this story took me by surprise. Granted, Roshaun’s Ordeal story also began with a much bigger look at the universe than I expected. The grand mythos of Wellakhit helped me to place Roshaun’s journey within the context of his home planet. So, I imagine that Duane is doing the same thing here, which is important because we know relatively nothing about Wimst. To be honest, I don’t think I could have told you a single thing about the planet prior to this story or about Mamvish’s species aside from what they looked like. Because of that, there’s an element of shock to the first chapter, simply because I did not imagine someone so bubbly, funny, and alive coming from a star system so bleak, dark, and full of tragedy. 

Yet, as far as I can tell, that’s exactly where Mamvish is from. Duane takes us far back, long before her birth, before the Tauwff Choice, before there was much of anything in this part of the galaxy. And as the Tauwff grow, they are… well, it’s kind of hard to determine how much the Powers’ prophecy of them—if it can even be considered that—affected their development. But, in short, they end up being just as kind and as intelligent as was prophesied. (Planned?) Which, if this was planned, seems like their fate is particularly cruel. Their intelligence and kindness is a huge reason why they so easily reject the Lone One when It comes to tempt them and offer them Power. Well, I’d also say it’s partially due to the Lone One being REALLY GODDAMN OBVIOUS. Seriously! Its big speech to the Tauwff is so drenched in imperialism that there’s no way most species wouldn’t recognize it as a call to empire. Seriously, the Lone Power says:

“And as for all who are not like you, you may either force them to become so, or else blot them from the universe as if they were a mere stain or spill of error. Thus you will make the worlds safe for yourselves and your hatchlings, and spread the wisdom and order of Wimst’s people far and wide—an ornament to the galaxy that clutched it, and a people fit to teach unruly younger races the right way.”

Well, that’s a great fascist clarion call. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. So, the Lone Power is summarily rejected, and so, out of spite:

…It dropped a small gravitic anomaly that did no more than dislodge a few of those small distant bodies from their orbits. 

And this one act, lifetimes in the future, is responsible for a collision with Wimst, which practically decimates the planet. Only five percent survive. And how do they survive?

They swore that those who were best able should surrender their lives and their bodies as food for those who were younger and might be able to keep their species alive…

WHAT

THE

FUCK

HOW IS THIS SO DARK SO EARLY INTO THE STORY. So you’re telling me that Mamvish’s people survived the Lone One’s pettiness by turning to voluntary cannibalism? I just… what the hell??? And it is just after we’re given this context that I think we are introduced to Mamvish, though there are no names used. I am guessing this nameless child, who we experience right up to their hatching, is the titular character. It is a bizarre sequence, and that’s what I meant earlier about how surprising the scope was for this. Y’all, Duane really does take us right to the beginning. I’m surprised we didn’t get the conception scene JUST KIDDING, I DON’T ACTUALLY WANT THAT AT ALL. 

So, what is the intention of this extended sequence? Because it’s certainly a lot longer than I expected once I realized what I was reading. Mamvish struggles with her first emotions, with the comforting affection she receives from whomever is tending her egg, and then is shocked when she breaks through the shell. AND THEN REALIZED THAT HER FELLOW HATCHEE WAS PROBABLY EATEN BEFORE THEY HATCHED, which… lord, this is bleak for the start of her story. But… it’s gotta be important! How does this influence her and her journey? WHO NAMES HER???

https://youtu.be/qMWUFoPsEjk

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