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The Great Ski-Lift
Anton Soliman
THE GREAT SKI LIFT
(Zerbi's Space)
Translated by: Carlo Pratt
Publisher: Tektime
We all begin by building a centre to live our lives in accordance with the rules of Tradition. Yet on achieving consciousness, we realize with dismay that itâs a prison to escape from without harming anyone. To this dilemma a solution exists: reach the top and find the Great Ski-Lift. In the immense, the key to everything can be found...
The Immersion Point
Although early afternoon it was almost dark. Oskar was cold; impossible to stay in that lifeless forecourt any longer. He was growing tired: after rising at dawn and driving a great distance for many hours. The journey had been strange and taken him across unknown territory. Highway 26 South ran westward towards the great plains and traced a full U-turn before the Sierra mountain chain, followed by a dirt road full of potholes along an unfamiliar and tortuous route.
The mountain range stretched endlessly alongside the highway yet heâd never been curious enough to see it up close. He only knew they were remote and deserted, part of a land that didnât belong to him. A fictional canvas where nothing would be familiar: no plans to carry out, no reference points. It was late; he had to find a hotel for spending the night. Going back at this point in a strange region was unwise.
The village lay down-valley from the cable carâs forecourt. Only after navigating several twists and turns did the first houses emerge, stone constructions with smoking chimneys. A few lights were already on.
On the village outskirts, a figure unloaded hay for a stable from a filthy carriage. He was a squat old man, wearing a brown velvet jacket. The slow pained movements indicated fatigue.
- Sorry to bother you, - said Oskar leaning out of his window seat with an awkward look: - I wondered if thereâs a hotel nearby.
The old man gave him a calm steady look before slowly approaching the car.
- Further down, before the village ends, thereâs a fellow called Ignatius. You'll see a green door with a yellow lamp. I know he has some rooms.
- I understand thanks. A door with a yellow lamp, - repeated Oskar, enunciating clearly to show heâd understood the directions.