Journeys through Outer Canidia - prologue
SO! Our bold protagonist, a Lynx (Lynx lynx), sets up on his adventure.
Journeys through Outer Canidia: or, Exploration and investigations of canid tribes of the un-felized lands
In the name and good kindness of the Don of Sylvestrus College, Zien Alamasus, I commend and consecrate this work.
13 day, 1st month of the year
Some days ago I was hailed by the Don of Sylvestrus College when I was visiting my uncle in that town. The Don, a cat of unceasing inquiry and zeal for the expansion of knowledge, entreated upon me to take some refreshment. We slipped into a small coffee-house, of the kind frequented by students, laborers, and even dogs, but the Don cares not for such things when the business of knowledge is at hand. He spoke to me briefly, but impressed upon me the importance of an opportunity of chance and good fortune: an acquaintance of his son has fitted out a new-fangled ship with rigging designed by the great architect Felizidori. He spoke not of the purpose of the ship, but of it's captain. Don Alamasus described the captain as a Fishing cat, one of great capacity of mind and intercourse, and said that the captain had taken the position on the condition that he outfit the crew of the ship and induce a cat of inquiring and educated mind for generat intercourse, for bold exploration, and for recording what was observed.
I, having no spouse, and likewise of an inquiring constitution, expressed my amazement that some lucky cat would be taken aboard the novel craft; the Don exclaimed that he was going to see my very uncle in order to recommend me to this Fishing cat captain! We collaborated and spoke at much greater length, and I hastened to secure a berth with the captain, one Captain Bassu.
Captain Bassu proved to be a remarkable cat; I cannot discern his age except to say that he moves with a confidence and a grace that speaks to years at sea and a guile that speaks to years of war or trade, if anyone can tell the difference these days. He is tall, with a thick powerful neck; limbs that seem just slightly too short for the girth of his neck, small ears, and a short powerful tail which accentuated the pronouncement of his muscular hindquarters. He is gracious and learned, too, and carries a library with him. He proposed to box off some of his quarters for me as a private personal sleeping quarter and study; I was amazed.
I have taken a room in a well-ordered tavern near the ship. While the ship is outfitted, I will compile my few belongings and order my own priorities for the expedition. The view from the window affords excellent chance to observe the comings and goings from the new harbor.
By great Fortune or Providence I begin. To the winds and zephyrs of the Fates I commend myself.