Chapter Five
The Desert Saga
Skoon
The Wood Carver
At twenty-eight years of age he was already considered a Master Carpenter. His
talents were well known, and he was sought for specialized work for the high clans.
It had all started at his grandfather's side at three years old. He was handed an unripe
kaasa fruit and a small non-metal cutting tool. His instructions were to make the
fruit look like the object before him. Skoon asked his grandfather if he could
hold the model before he began his task. As he took the object in his
hands he allowed his fingers to memorize the tactile form. Placing it back on the self,
Skoon proceeded to create an almost perfect replica of the model before him. He
had not received instructions, it was an innate gift. His grandfather looked at him and
at his work and called out to his father,
"Lo'tock, there is makings of greatness here."
From that day onward it appeared he always had a carving knife in his hand. He had
trained himself to be ambidextrous. His grandfather constantly challenged him,
by presenting him with more and more complex work.
At the age of ten he was isolated without any distraction and began instruction in the
Ancient wood carving technic called E'tum kraisek (beautiful cage) This was the
handling of wood in a way that the objects carved would be seen as if caged. The
objects inside would move in a limited space. His first project using this method was
a box that appeared to house a reclining sehlat. Although it was only on an
intellectual level that Vulcans ever competed, his grandfather did display that work
alongside some of his own in what could best be called a craft exhibition.
His father and mother were satisfied that their son would be able to support himself
for there were constant requests for a pieces of his work.
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It was with the onset of his second Pon Farr that he joined with his bondmate T'aire
and she left the experience carrying life, a son.
As usual, his time away from home came and she insisted that he go. She knew that his
creative engines were fueled by these visits to the rural settings . Her mother was
close by if she needed any assistance. Usually Vulcan females remained in good
health, were remarkably energetic during pregnancy and were able to return to their
regular schedules shortly after delivery a baby.
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Her final message to him through their bond was an agonizing cry,
"Our child, our son…"
Then there was the roaring silence.
He had just finished the rattle…