The Sleeping Eye

"The Sleeping Eye" is a short story that was published in the Target-exclusive edition Myths & Fables. The story was written by George Mann, illustrated by Grant Griffin, and published on August 30, 2020.
==Plot summary==
According to legend a group of people traveled to the planet Maldroth following a war that divided their people and caused a lasting guilt. For many thousands of years the people of Maldroth remained isolated from the rest of the galaxy, living a simple life without much use for technology. Over time the tribes developed a tradition of stargazing, which became a key part of their culture. The named many constellations including Bhedarian, Great Sword and Anvil. There was one call the Sleeping Eye that legend said if it ever opened the people of Maldroth could forgive themselves for the crimes of their ancestors during the great war. In every village at night there were stargazers posted to watch the sky, hoping the sleeping eye would open. 
One night a stargazer named Toola witnessed a blooming light with the Great Sword constellation. Following a conference of Shamans, Barroth and elder shaman declared it was a sign that the Sleeping Eye would soon open. The following night a similar light was witnessed but on the other size of the Sleeping Eye and following another conference it was declared another sign that the eye would soon open. The next night remaining vigilant Toola noticed another light in the middle of the Anvil constellation which was so bright it looked like a new star was being born. Unsure of what this sign could mean Barroth placed himself in a trance and hours later told the tribes of millions of voices calling out at night, warning that this light was an ill omen and could mean the Eye would remain closed forever.
Following the pronouncement the villagers were despondent but Toola continued her watch of the sky. An hour before dawn Toola witnessed witnessed another light right in the center of the Sleeping Eye. The eye had opened and the for the first time in a thousand years the people of Maldroth felt they could move past the guilt of their ancestors. 
==Appearances==
==Notes and references==
Category:Myths & Fables