In the forest where the Sutapora ruminated, the trees grew very tall.
On one occasion, Sutep climbed to the top of one of the tall trees.
Looking down, Sutep said "How very tall this tree is."
Sutep looked to the horizon and saw only the tops of trees.
"How very tall these trees are."
Sutep came down and ordered an end to the rumination of the Sutapora.
"You shall use the wood of the trees to build spires."
The Sutapora set about felling the timber, carving the lumber, and framing the stories. Upon these stories, the Sutapora built spires whose pinnacles rose above the tops of the trees.
On one occasion, Sutep climbed to the pinnacle of one of the tall spires.
Trembling on the stair, Sutep said "How very tall this spire is."
Sutep looked to the horizon and saw only the pinnacles of spires.
Sutep just sighed.
Sutep came down and gave news to the Sutapora.
"The spires that you have built on soft soil are leaning over."
As one spire finally fell, the Sutapora set about excavating the soil, surveying the bedrock, and planting a foundation. On this foundation, the Sutapora built a spire whose pinnacle rose above any other.
Having presided over the civilization of the once nomadic Sutapora, Sutep was awarded the highest room in the highest spire. But, in growing age, Sutep could not climb the spire to reach the fine dwelling.
Sutep took up dwelling in a room on the ground, surrounded by solid timbers of ancient trees which held up the stories above.
BLKNSLVR•1h ago
The title made me think it was maybe a sequel to The Cones of Dunshire.