Exclusive: book Online #4

(Click VRIN, under Categories, to see all uploaded chapters)

This novel is available in print, and was a finalist in Operation First Novel 2007,

sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers.

Copyright © 2010 Amlin Publishing. All rights reserved.

Your comments are appreciated. Enjoy!

CHAPTER 4

THE FACE OF THE ENEMY

001001011001110

The morning sun heated the curtains as fingers of light pierced through the gaps between. The dust particles. They did not swirl about as expected, but merely hovered there, motionless, as if their presence was only for the visual effect. Even when I blew at them, they didn't move. What IS this place?

I stared. And the questions filtered through my mind for the hundredth time. If Gaza was all-powerful, then why did he need Rath’s help? And why would Gaza destroy his own creation? Did I need to contact Sajin? Would it help or hurt for him to know that Gaza’s solution to the problem was not a viable option? Although dissolving the planet would invariably stop the conflict between Rath and Armadon, there would be no one left to appreciate it... Kitaya’s words echoed in my mind. "He is looking for a perfect match." What did this mean?

Though the long night had brought me no closer to a solution, my path at least seemed clearer. I needed to find out what Gaza was looking for, and why. If I could find the solution to this mystery, perhaps it would bring me one step closer to solving my own.

It became obvious that I could no longer deny the pain in my back. I had been crouching in the corner far too long. I stood, stretched, and shuffled across to the full-length mirror. A bath would have been pleasurable but was unnecessary. I could alter my appearance in any way I chose. I brought up the web and molded clothing similar to those of the townsmen, simple and comfortable. Pleased with the result I headed down to bid good morning to my lovely hostess.

She was on the terrace overlooking the ocean. A warm breeze pushed in as I opened the glass doors. She looked up at me with a lovely smile, her face so young and perfect. Her spirits had apparently lifted a bit since the evening before. "Good morning, Sam." Her smile brightened. "Do you mind if I call you Sam?"

"You know." I furrowed my brow. "I thought about it last night and I think I’d like to be called Jason, Jason Tardin. Back at the mansion I was addressed as Lord Tardin and I saw the name engraved on a trophy in the study."

"Hmm, Jason," she said, trying it out. "Yes, that is nice. It does seem to fit."

"Good. Then it's settled. Jason it is." I sat down and lifted my face to the morning sunshine. "Beautiful day."

She nodded her agreement. "Did you come up with any solutions?"

"Nothing earth shattering."

She looked thoughtful. "What I cannot figure is, if the event we witnessed last night took place some time ago, then-- why are we still here?"

"I don’t know. Maybe he’s still looking."

"It is possible, but he sounded like he was at the end of his rope."

"I guess he found more rope. What do you think we should do?"

"I do not know. I have kept pretty much to myself here. I am not familiar with what is going on in the rest of the world. I would not know where to start looking for answers."

"Is there someone close to Gaza, someone who knows him better than anyone?"

"Well-- there is Humphrey. He was the second. Gaza was still active when Humphrey came to Vrin."

"Where can we find this Humphrey?"

"Good question. He has chosen to live as a hermit. All I know is that he lives in the woods somewhere outside of Ristol, and that he refuses to use the power. I saw him in an event cell once. What was it he said to Gaza? Oh yes." She made a stout grumpy face. "I have no interest in playing God," she said in a deep gruff voice.

I found her impersonation amusing. "So he chooses to live like a regular person?"

"Yes, he lives off the land as much as possible."

"Independent, I like that."

 The door opened and a woman stepped out onto the terrace. Kitaya looked up, her eyes brightened. "Corel!" she squealed. The woman smiled back with brilliant enthusiasm as Kitaya jumped up and gripped her friend in a warm embrace.

Corel looked to be middle aged but she wore her years well. Her wavy brown hair was swept back in a long ponytail. She was wearing an outfit much like that of a climber, very sleek, and very feminine. Her muscular arms gripped Kitaya around her tiny waist as she lifted her off the floor.

"I have missed you! Where did you go off to?" probed Kitaya.

Corel drew away. "I’ve been exploring again. This time in the Adilian Mountains. The people there have a fascinating culture, and you know me. Besides, I needed a little break from all the crap Tiko was shoveling. Come see what I brought you." Kitaya shot me a smile as she followed her friend back into the palace.

I sat there, unsure of what to do. I didn’t want to be left out, but I didn’t want to tag along uninvited and appear overly eager. So I decided to create another cup of tea. If they wanted to talk with me, they would call.

Corel had the blue fire in her eyes. It was obvious she was one of us. Was Tiko as well? Apparently there was some friction between them. I hoped it wasn’t as bad as the blood between Rath and Armadon. With this thought I was brought me back to the problems at hand. From what I could piece together, Gaza was very powerful and extremely resourceful. After all, he created this entire world. I doubted I could do the same. If we were going to confront him we would need to enlist the help of the others.

First we needed to know what he was looking for and why. If we knew that we would have a better chance of finding a peaceful solution, if there was one. We also needed to know why he hadn’t let anyone besides Rath know about the search. And why Rath?

I gazed out over the ocean and considered going to find out what Kitaya and her friend were up to, but decided against it. It frustrated me that under more casual circumstances I would have been thoroughly enjoying this place. I wanted to spend more time experimenting with my new powers. I couldn’t wait to fly again, but I couldn't afford to let my guard down. There was no telling what might happen next or what danger lurked around the next corner. I imagined the worst, me, strapped helplessly to a rock in the desert, birds pecking at my face. I shuddered at the thought.

A small movement on my left pinkie made me look down. My ring-- was moving! I let out an involuntary yelp and almost fell over backwards in my chair. I jumped up flailing, desperately trying to shake the ring from my hand. After several seconds of this ridiculous behavior I stopped and held my arm out straight. Reluctantly I moved my hand in to get a closer look. It was still moving. I stared wide-eyed as the little ring unwound itself from my finger and began rubbing its tiny head against my knuckle. I reached out with my other hand to touch it. It was a cute little thing. It wiggled around. I let it into my palm.

"Well, hello," I said softly.

It responded by lifting its head in acknowledgment.

"Do you understand what I’m saying?" I asked, incredulous.

It nodded in the affirmative.

I couldn’t help smiling. "Do you have a name?"

It paused for a moment then twisted its tiny body into a shape and held the position.

"I don’t understand."

It repositioned slightly.

"N? Are you making the letter N?"

It looked up and nodded, then outlined another letter.

"O?"

It nodded again.

Next was a T and then what looked like an L. "L?"

It shook its head no.

Then it hit me. "Ohh! One?"

It nodded feverishly.

"N, O, T, One, Not One? That’s your name?"

It shook no.

I was puzzled. "Are you trying to tell me-- it’s not just one name?"

It nodded happily.

"Then what should I call you?"

It appeared to go into deep thought then rubbed its head hard against my palm.

"You want to be called palm?" I smiled.

It shook no madly.

"I don’t know, poke, itch, rub, scratch?"

The last one got a response. It began to wiggle around happily.

"You want to be called Scratch?"

The little creature nodded.

"O-kay. Scratch it is."

My tiny new friend seemed satisfied but the exertion must have tuckered him out, because he began to slow down.

"You okay?"

He nodded once, then slowly wiggled over to my pinkie and wrapped himself around it. His skin became hard and it was once again, a tiny gold ring.

I pulled the ring off my pinkie and examined it. I never would have known there was anything special about it; it looked just like a regular old ring. As I replaced it on my finger the two women strolled back out onto the balcony.

I stood politely and Kitaya addressed me first. "I am sorry, Sam, I mean, Jason. I should have introduced you. This is my friend Corel. She has been away for awhile. She likes to travel."

"Good to meet you." I offered my hand. "I’m the new guy on the block." I took note that Corel wore a similar ring, and that Kitaya, did not.

"Good to meet you as well." Corel shook my hand firmly. "Kit has informed me of Gaza’s plan. I find it to be very disturbing."

"I would have to agree with you."

"She says you want to try to find Humphrey. I doubt he’ll be very helpful. If you do manage to find him, there’s a good chance he won’t even talk to you. He is very stubborn."

"In light of the alternative, don’t you think he would at least give us some information?"

"I doubt it." She looked thoughtful. "I think we need to speak with Armadon. No one knows Rath’s movements better than he."

"But isn’t he as dangerous as Rath?" I asked.

"He can be but he is a strategist at heart. I’m sure he will at least listen to what we have to say. He understands that information is the strongest weapon."

"Then let us waste no time," I asserted.

Corel looked at Kitaya then to me. "We’ll have to join hands."

As she grasped my hand I felt her power bleed into my body and mingle with my own. With a burst of blue energy we rose in a flash, high above our surroundings, until the world was nothing more than a wire globe far beneath us. The sphere turned until our destination was visible, then, as quickly as we had departed we were once again standing firm footed.

Before us stood a magnificent castle, the architecture unique in its design. The outside was encased not in stone, but in a smooth flawless metal which shone in the mid-day sun. It hurt my eyes to look directly at it. Corel stepped up. "Shall we knock and see if he’s home?" she said smartly.

A deep wide chasm filled with thick mist surrounded the castle. I stared down into the darkness but could not see the bottom. Corel touched something near the edge of the pit and the ground shook as a bridge of land pushed its way across. In no time the way was passable.

We continued on toward the towering entrance and as we approached, there came a voice from the battlement. "Open the gate!" The massive barrier made a tremendous noise as its iron structure slowly lifted to allow us passage. A man scurried out to greet us. I guessed he was from the royal court as he was wearing an outfit of ruby red with bands of gold metal. His head was cocked to the side and he appeared to be talking into his wrist. "Corel, Kitaya, and an unknown sir."

Corel spoke with authority. "We wish a meeting with your lord."

The man bowed slightly. "It is my esteemed honor to welcome you, Lady Corel. The Holy One awaits you in his throne room."

"Thank you. Lead the way please."

He turned and we followed him through the massive gates. Several soldiers moved about performing various tasks, but I saw no civilians. We traveled up an immense set of black slate stairs and through an enormous set of doors. Cracks between the large stone floor tiles let off a yellow glow, filling the room with a mystical ambiance. To the rear was a magnificent throne like nothing I’d ever seen or imagined. Exotic jewels embedded in its design glimmered brightly in the soft lighting. --I was impressed.

The figure upon the throne was no less impressive, an intimidating hulk of a man, at least nine feet of solid iron muscle. His face was like chiseled stone. Deep dark sockets encased burning blue eyes. Now this guy looked like a god!

As our party approached, Armadon’s voice boomed out. "WHY do you disturb me?"

Displaying cool confidence, Corel explained. "There is a matter of great importance developing. We wish to trade information."

"Are you in league with children?" he asked deeply.

"We are not."

"Then continue."

"We have news of a great darkness which is about to befall Vrin. Gaza is not the angel of peace described in the Marathil. He plans to destroy Vrin."

"WHAT!" bellowed Armadon, his voice filling the room.

"He is looking for something and has chosen Rath to help him. He told Rath he would send us back to the void if he does not find what he seeks. We have come to you because you know Rath better than any."

"Yes. I do. And your words explain much." Armadon brooded. "I thought Rath was a fool for dividing his resources, but it seems he had no choice. My informants tell me he is looking for a woman and a girl child."

"An exact match?" I blurted.

Corel shot me a warning glance as if to say I should not speak out of turn.

"Yes," said Armadon.

"Can you guess why he would go to Rath only, excluding the rest of us from the search?" Corel asked.

Armadon shifted in his throne. "He might not want us to know, should we decide to resist his efforts-- but that would mean his efforts are worthy of resistance." He brought his massive hand to his chin. "I do not see what harm a woman or girl child could do."

"Will you join with us against him," Corel asked boldly, "should we be forced to act?"

"Yes. But first we must find out what he is planning. It isn’t wise to go against an opponent unprepared. We need to be careful and move without his knowing."

"He already knows." Kitaya stepped forward.

Armadon leveled his gaze at her. "And how do you know this?"

"I witnessed his conversation with Rath in an event cell-- and he saw me."

"What?" Armadon stood up. "That’s not possible!"

"He saw me. I am sure of it. The question is, did he see me six months ago when the event took place, or twelve hours ago when I was in the event cell?"

Before anyone could comment, a loud siren filled the air. Armadon’s head cocked to the side. He jumped up and he bolted past us. "We are under attack!"

"May we join you?" Corel called after him.

Armadon was almost to the door. "If you wish!"

We had to race to keep up with him, through broad corridors, across enormous chambers, up immense stone stairways. Eventually we emerged onto the battlement overlooking the castle grounds. We joined Armadon at the edge of the wall. Far below several ghost-like beings were ramming one by one into the massive gate of the castle. Their actions were systematic, void of thought or reason.

"What are those?" I found myself saying.

Looking down on the eerie scene Armadon seemed genuinely puzzled. "I’ve never seen anything like them. I doubt they are agents of Rath. He has never come against me with anything but mundane troops."

The dark figures tore at the metal gate with phantom teeth. Sparks ignited around them at each impact. In the flurry, I tried to make a count. It looked like six, maybe seven. With a hideous scraping noise one of the creatures broke through.

I bolted to the other side of the battlement and peered down into the courtyard. Like a snake the ghastly specter weaved in and out of men and architecture. Its eyes glaring back and forth. Seeking its prey. Its tail trailing behind like a gossamer cloth.

It chewed into its first victim and my stomach wretched as the man let out an awful scream. I brought up the web and attempted to pull at the demon’s threads. --But they wouldn't move! In desperation I created a hole beneath the man. He fell and I sealed the hole with a flat piece of metal. The creature bit wildly at the barrier. I had prevailed for the moment but this was a small victory. More demons had broken through.

Kitaya reinforced the front gate while Armadon, Corel, and I fought hard to isolate the specters from the soldiers. After much effort they were finally contained. Three were trapped in the center of the courtyard, four outside the gate. They wailed and bit but the barriers stood.

"Why don’t they just fly over?" I wondered aloud.

Armadon answered. "They seem to be hovering by air propulsion. See the sand below them pushing away? It must not be strong enough to lift them any higher."

Troops moved into position above the courtyard with crossbows at the ready. The tips were set on fire and they waited. I looked at Armadon.

His face tightened. "Fire!"

A volley of burning wood descended into the trap. The demons’ wailing pierced my eardrums and increased in pitch until I found myself covering my ears-- yet the others seemed unaffected. Then it dawned on me, earplugs! I made some and quickly and stuffed them in. Unfortunately the humans did not have the same luxury. Screaming in pain, delirious from the excruciating noise, two soldiers fell to the ground from the battlements.

The wailing ceased and I looked down into the courtyard trap. Nothing remained of the creatures; the fire had consumed them utterly.

Corel made her way back over to the group. "Could these be Gaza’s?"

Armadon nodded. "That would be my guess."

Kitaya cried out, "They are gone! I only turned away for a second!" Her voice was shrill and panicked.

We gathered on the outside edge of the battlement and looked down. The trap outside the gate was empty.

Kitaya looked nervous.

Corel looked concerned. "Before this gets any better," she said in a low voice, "it will probably get a lot worse."

"Much worse," said Armadon. "We need to formulate a plan."

Exclusive: book Online #3

(Click VRIN, under Categories, to see all uploaded chapters)

This novel is available in print, and was a finalist in Operation First Novel 2007,

sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers.

Copyright © 2010 Amlin Publishing. All rights reserved.

Your comments are appreciated. Enjoy!

CHAPTER 3

THE CHILD KING

001001011001110

Since I wasn't quite ready to be on my own I decided to take Kitaya up on her offer to stay the night in her palace. She informed me that we didn't require sleep, so I figured this would be a good time to push for answers. I gathered she knew the condition of my memory and I hoped we’d be able to spend several hours discussing the questions plaguing me, questions like: who am I, who are you, and why don't we need sleep?

She left me in what she called her "living chambers" while she attended to her nightly routine, so I looked about and took in my surroundings. In the center of the large room was a huge stone fireplace, magnificent, though apparently unused. I circled the enormous structure. All four sides opened like insidious mouths complete with teeth running across the tops and bottoms. An immense chimney reached to the ceiling high above.

The rest of the room reflected the artistry and earthy motif of the village. The walls were alive with vines and vibrant flowers. A small stream gurgled along the base of one wall, emptying into a fountain in the corner. At the far end of the room thick glass doors stood slightly opened, revealing a balcony. The doors merged perfectly with the surrounding walls as though finished glass were a natural part of an outdoor scene. It was nature with structure, a work of art, and I wished to compliment the artist.

A servant brought a platter of delicacies for me to sample. I thanked him, he departed, and once again I stood waiting. I was anxious to find out what Kitaya knew about this world. I thought back to what Sajin had asked of me. He wanted to meet with Gaza because he thought Gaza could stop the war between Rath and Armadon. I wondered if Kitaya would agree. I also wanted to find out more about Rath. He was obviously unstable and apparently had a particular interest in me. This did not settle well in my stomach.

Kitaya entered and my thoughts evaporated. Again I tried desperately not to stare. She had changed into a thin silk evening gown with iridescent fabric clinging gently to her small curves. She gestured and I turned to see two comfortable chairs next to a crackling fire.

Impressive.

We settled in and I gazed at her radiance, desperately trying to bring my mind back to the questions at hand. She raised her arm slightly and began making a circular motion with her finger. Presently a cup and saucer materialized in her gentle grasp. The smell of sweet tea reached my nostrils, so I decided to make a cup of my own. First I visualized a cup and saucer, the threads formed the frames. I then added material, black porcelain with gold trimming. And finally the tea, Earl Grey, hot.

Kitaya spoke. "Are you feeling any more relaxed?"

"As relaxed as possible under the circumstances." I took a deep breath. "I’ve been tense since I awoke-- but somehow in your company..." I gave a warm smile. " I feel much more at ease."

"That is good to hear." Her eyes lit up. "You must have questions."

"Indeed. Unfortunately they all fall into the same category of urgency, I hardly know where to begin. I guess, first and foremost, I’d like to know who I am."

She frowned slightly. "I am afraid I cannot help you there but I do know what the people of this world call you."

"And that is?"

"Sam’ Dejal, the god of reason."

That's odd, I thought, the butler at the mansion called me Tardin.

"What’s your title?" I asked.

"I am Ki’ Janu, the goddess of the wood, or more accurately, the goddess of nature."

"That is fitting. You do seem to love trees."

"You mean because of the village? I created this village more for the people’s sake than for my own. Trees are wonderful and I like nature and all, but I would not consider myself connected to it in any way." She shrugged and took a sip of her tea.

I studied her a moment. Then spoke again. "Do you remember anything from before this place?"

She shook her head. "I do not."

"Then you must have been as confused as I was when you first awakened."

"Hmm. Probably not. I did not have time to be. Rath was on me from the beginning." She tilted her head. "But that is a long story, you probably would not want to hear it."

"On the contrary, if you wouldn’t mind telling it."

"Very well..." She sat up straighter and furrowed her brow. "Well, when I first became aware, I was in a large, lavishly furnished tree house." She paused and her eyes took on a distant look. "I was reaching into a kitchen cabinet to get something but I could not remember what. I felt strange and everything looked so funny." She paused a moment, then gave her head a little shake. "Anyway I heard someone knocking so I found my way to the front door and looked out. Just outside standing on a large branch was this magnificent looking man in dark glasses. When I opened the door he greeted me with a bow. I was instantly taken in by him, he seemed harmless enough, so I invited him in." She looked at me and smiled. "After all I had a lot of questions.

"But listen to this. He convinced me he was a genie and that I had called to him in my dreams. At first I thought he was nuts, but then he took off his glasses, and, well I think you can understand why I believed him. He wove this elaborate tale about how he was genie to the throne and how his search for a bride had led him to me. He said he did not want to be too forward but he wished to court me. It would be a long courtship and in the end, if I was not completely taken with him, he would return me to my planet with whatever riches I desired." She raised her eyebrows. "That sounded like a good deal to me."

"So," I interjected, "you didn’t doubt him at all?"

"No." She shook her head. "I did not. He was very convincing and very handsome." Her gaze drifted away again. "--No, I did not doubt him. So we traveled to the castle to meet the 'royal family' to whom, he said he owed his service and loyalty. And of course our means of transportation was a flying carpet. This made me believe him even more. He brought me into a room full of lavish gowns and expensive jewelry so I would be 'presentable' when he announced my arrival. I put together the most exquisite outfit: an elegant silk dress, white gloves, diamonds... When I was ready he escorted me to two enormous doors but before they were opened he gave me a blindfold. He said it was customary for the royal family to look upon the bride-to-be before she was allowed to look upon them.

"Finally when he opened the doors I could hear the voices of what I thought was the assembled nobility. He led me forward several paces into the room but then stepped away. As I turned to reach for him someone shoved me hard and I landed on my chest with my face pushing deep into something foul! I slid downward until finally I stopped and tore the blindfold from my head. Thousands of eyes were looking down at me from row upon row of a huge amphitheater. I was mortified!

"What did you do?" I said, feeling shocked and somewhat thankful for my own experience.

"I did not know what to do! Then this man who I thought was my friend announced, ‘BEHOLD, THE GODDESS KI' JANU!’ I swear the whole arena shook from the laughter. I struggled to my feet in the slippery mess, wiping the crud from my arms, and looked behind me. I had slid down a slide covered with what I think was grease and human waste! Into a pool of manure!"

"You must have been livid!"

"Oh I was! And my anger must have ignited something because all of a sudden the room went dark and all of the voices fell silent-- except Rath's, he laughed louder! But then I noticed that my hands were glowing orange! Now I had to laugh because I thought, I am a genie! But I was so humiliated and hurt and angry! I opened my arms and currents of electricity shot out toward him."

"Did you get him?"

"Yes. But he fell to the floor and just kept laughing, saying, ‘Is that the best you can do?’" She gave me an exasperated look. "But then the room filled with the blue strings and somehow I knew they were reacting to my thoughts. I thought about the flying carpet and there it was. So I jumped onto it and took off like a flash." She raised her chin in defiance. "I never looked back."

"Wow!" I said, shaking my head. "Did you ever manage to get him back for that?"

"I have tried a few times." She shrugged. "But he is extremely smart. He usually finds some way to twist things around to his advantage."

"Why do you think he’s he so cruel?"

"I do not... I honestly do not think he understands he is being cruel. He is like a spoiled child."

"Do you know what happened when he first arrived?"

"No, I have never thought to find out."

"--Maybe he had a really bad experience."

"Maybe-- Hmm. How could we find..." She put her hand to her chin and looked thoughtful. "Oh!" She looked back at me. Moota!"

I gave her a sideways glance. "Moota? What’s a Moota?"

"He is a sky searcher." She smiled.

"--Oh, o-kay." I returned her smile. "That helps."

She shook her head. "Let me explain. A sky searcher," she annunciated the words, "searches the sky for fragments of the past, which were put there by what is called... Hold on. I will let him explain. Her eyes dimmed and her head tilted slightly to the side. After a short moment she looked up. "I called him. He is on his way."

I squinted at her. "What did you just do?"

"I have a strand attached to those I keep in contact with the most. It allows me to speak to them."

"Oh. --You’ll have to teach me that trick."

She smiled. "It is easy. Just bring up the web and break a strand with your fingers." I did as she said. "Good. Now touch one end to my neck just below my ear." I reached out and placed my finger under her ear. Her skin was soft, I could feel her warmth. "Now attach the other end to yourself and close your eyes. There. Now to establish a link all you need to do is picture me in your mind. Good. Now no matter where we go we can always communicate with one another. And if for any reason you do not wish to talk with me all you need to do is detach the strand from yourself."

"This is fantastic!" As I pictured her my thought turned to vibration and traveled to her through the strand. My thoughts were energy now, as were hers. "I can think of no one else I’d rather be attached to."

I heard a giggle inside.

"Really." I opened my eyes. "I want to thank you for helping me. I’ve been feeling pretty lost," I said aloud.

She opened her eyes and gave a tender smile. "We are both lost, but perhaps we can find the way together."

"I’d like that," I said, reaching out to put my hand on hers.

"And in so doing..." She stood and turned toward the door, "may we fix the damage caused by our own. --He approaches."

The doors opened and a tiny man entered. I stood and suppressed a smile. He looked more like a gnome than a man; stout and sturdy, with a green shirt, tan vest, soft pointy shoes. And upon his face (which showed the wrinkles of many years) a pair of shiny glasses straddled his fat little nose. Yet despite his appearance he had a look of intelligence about him, like a scientist-- granted, a very short scientist.

Kitaya giggled.

"Um," I whispered out of the corner of my mouth. "how do I drop our connection?" "Blank out your mind," she whispered back in like fashion. I did as she suggested and felt her presence push from my mind.

"You called for me, precious one?" The little man swept low in a courtly bow.

"Yes, we have need of your talents. But first allow me to introduce you. Moota, this is Sam’ Dejal. Sam, this is Moota."

"It is a great pleasure to meet you, lord." He bowed again.

"Likewise," I mused.

"Did you bring your event cells?" Kitaya asked.

"Right here in my bag, great lady."

"What is an event cell?" I asked.

The little man looked at me with aged and somewhat bloodshot eyes. "It is a device which allows a person to relive the past. You see around our world we have a layer of gas called the cognosphere." He gazed up as if through the ceiling. "The cognosphere acts as a mirror to what was. In it is the imprint of our entire history. Unfortunately, however, the information is scattered and the only way to access it is with an event cell." He paused. "Shall I continue, lord?"

"Please. How does it work?"

He examined me briefly, then continued. "When placed at an event, the cell sends out a pulse which marks the cognosphere. Then later, that same device, tuned to its own harmonic, can search the cognosphere for the same pulse. The cell finds all the pieces of the original pulse and combines them into one. When a mind enters the cell it encounters the reflection of the event and is able to interact with it.

"Interesting," I said, intrigued. "What if I were to enter an event cell which had never been used?"

"Oh, very bad, very bad," he said shaking his head.

"Why?"

"Imagine this planet’s entire history fed into your mind without any cohesion, it would be like... like drinking water from the base of a waterfall. What it would do to a god we do not know, but to a mortal man..." He shuddered at the thought. "With all due respect, lord, I do not care to speak of such horrors in the presence of a lady." He turned back to Kitaya. "What do you wish of me Ki’ Janu?"

She smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Moota. We would like to hear of Rath’s arrival and witness the event you recently acquired."

"You heard about that," he said, sounding like a mouse caught in a trap.

"I have never forbidden any of you from pursuing that which pleases you. You are an inquisitive old sot. I like that about you."

"Thank you, your holiness." He bowed so low I thought his nose would scrape the ground.

Kitaya sat, brought her knees to her chest, and wrapped her arms around them. She gestured for me to sit then turned back to the little man. "Alright, Moota, teach us."

He thought for a moment, then spoke. "When at first he arrived, Rath, known as the god of fire was seen only occasionally, always in the same manner, walking aimlessly through a town late at night, apparently drunk out of his mind." As the old man talked he used elaborate hand movements and animated facial gestures. "And he was always babbling to himself. At first we thought he was talking to the other gods, but soon it became clear that he was delusional; the conversations were erratic and broken. As you can imagine the spectacle was quite unnerving for the local residents. Sometimes people would muster up the courage to come out of their homes and greet him, but he would usually look right through them and keep on his way, if they were lucky. Sometimes he would fly into a rage. So most people avoided him completely.

"Strangely however, the children loved him. Anytime there were children around he would become coherent and quite amiable. He seemed to truly enjoy their company; his eyes would light up as he handed out treats and gifts he'd created. In fact his affinity toward children was so great that he decided to visit hundreds of orphanages around the world. Some children were scared of him, but most were captivated by his kindness and interest in them. He promised to care for them and allow them to do whatever they wished if they joined him. For most it was an offer they could not refuse. Countless children responded. But after awhile he became restless. That’s when he seized control of the country of Pagnia. He walked straight into the royal castle, declared himself ruler, and stated that all who challenged him would be extinguished. Those brave enough to stand forth were silenced in horrible ways."

Moota looked about then came in close. "Of course-- he told the people of Pagnia-- that the royal family had been relocated-- to another kingdom on the other side of the world. But we know that was not the case. Our informants tell us he had his child army go in and remove all the residents of the castle by force, save for members of the royal family, who were locked in the dungeon to perish along with their home. I recently acquired the event cell placed at Mount Dastra. It shows what was to be the pinnacle of the incursion." He reached for his pouch and pulled out a dark glass square with smoothly sanded edges. "This is the event cell." He tapped the cell with a hairy finger. "It will allow you to interact with the reflection that was marked. Which one of you would like to go first?"

Kitaya looked at me. "Would you?"

"Ah, okay. How does it work?" I stood and reached out my hand.

"Notice the top." He handed me the device and pointed. "It is malleable, slightly firmer than a sponge. Press that edge to your forehead and the moment will be sent to you. You will not actually be present at the event but you will perceive a physical body.

"What if I want to stop it?"

"Close your eyes and blank out your mind, this will terminate the link, and your consciousness will return to your actual body."

"Sounds simple enough," I said, not feeling the confidence I portrayed. I placed the soft black cushion on my forehead and instantly found myself standing in a field of knee-high grass. Hundreds of people were traveling up a dirt trail. I looked around. A short distance up the path something big was going on. I made my way to the road and followed the stream of refugees. No one paid any attention to me.

Moving up a steady incline, I looked behind and saw the origin of their trek, a large village surrounding a huge stone castle. Apparently these were the residents of Pagnia, and judging by the multitude, it looked like Rath was planning on destroying more than just the royal castle. I spotted a young child walking along the edge of the crowd, digging a stick into the dirt as he walked. He was wearing the same kind of red rubber armor I'd seen on Rath. He must be one of Rath’s children, I thought. Slowly I turned and scanned the outskirts of the crowd. Sure enough, there were others dressed in the same peculiar apparel.

Topping a slight incline I encountered several small gatherings of women and children sitting about with their belongings piled around them. In the midst of the smaller groups, talking furiously amongst themselves, was a large group of men. I headed in their direction. As I weaved my way through the various groups, I couldn't help but look down on the faces of these poor displaced families. I felt for them; there was great sadness in their eyes. What right did anyone have to push these people from their homes? It was outrageous!

"This is an outrage!" came a voice from inside the circle. I saw an opening and stepped inside. Three men stood talking in the center. Their clothing stood out from the rest in both quality and design. They must be from the ruling party, I thought. The same man continued. "Will we not stand and protect our property? He is but one man!"

"We are not fighters, Fyousa and even if we were, he is too powerful."

The man grimaced. "We are not fighters because we choose it not, not because it cannot be! We cannot stand still in the face of this aggression and do nothing! He has snatched our homes, taken the land we have worked so hard to nurture and protect! Our people have worked for centuries to build that kingdom! We cannot let Rath take what is not his to take!"

The third man spoke. "Be calm my friend." He placed his hand on the man’s shoulder. "Does it not state in the great text that the brothers and sisters of light would one day join us? Is it not so they created this planet and our people from the dust of the cosmos? Then is it not fair for them to reclaim the land which is rightfully theirs?" The crowd watched intently as he turned and addressed them. "Tul’ Naydor is no saint but he has demonstrated the power of the gods. He is one of the Ten. He has every right to place his claim on our land! Now disperse! Go back to your families and tell them not to despair, for although things look dark, we must trust that the gods have shined on us this day!"

Reluctantly the crowd began to disperse, and the old man looked back at Fyousa. "Let us not hear any more talk of revolution, my friend," he stated smoothly. "Is it not better for us to live in the dark, than to die in the light as if we never were?"

The two of them stood in silence watching as the others moved away.

Then-- through the sea of moving bodies-- I saw him. The god of fire, sitting with his legs crossed, staring out at the village. I made my way over and crouched before him. If he saw me he made no indication. His eyes were scanning the sky intently as he rocked back and forth; he was exerting some kind of force on the clouds. I looked up. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, pure white melted into a massive pool of brown undulating liquid. Deep dark colors swirled about in pockets of chaos, blocking out the sun, hovering like a blanket of death. Everything in the valley took on a dim brown hue. I looked back at Rath. His eyes were blank. In eerie oblivion his children played behind him.

With a wicked smile he stood and faced the crowd. Without warning the brown liquid fell to the earth, it burned and smote everything it touched, filling the entire valley, dissolving everything in its path. Leaving nothing but a smoking hole and a memory of better times.

The people watched in horror, clinging to each other with tears in their eyes as everything they had ever known dissolved before them. Their past was erased, and their future looked as dark as the charred ground below.

Rath looked pleased with his handiwork. He paced back and forth in front of the multitude of grief stricken faces. Finally he stopped. His hands moved rapidly in the air in a series of gestures which ended at his mouth and when he began to speak his voice was amplified. "The life you once knew is now gone!" he announced. "I am now your ruler. For those of you who do not know me, I am Tul’ Naydor, the god of fire. But you may call me Rath. You do not realize this yet, but this is a glorious occasion. From this day forth I will provide you with comforts no mortal ruler could. You will never again go without food and you will never again be forced to walk about in tattered rags while the kingdom sucks taxes out of your empty pockets. Under my rule there will be no taxes! These things and many more are the benefits you are now entitled to as residents of my kingdom. No more will disease claim the lives of your family and friends, and no more will you struggle to provide the necessities of life. From this day forth you may pursue whatever endeavors please you, so long as they do not conflict with my own."

The people hung on his every word; every statement offered a glimmer of hope. Their faces reflected a great yearning as he played upon their desperation like a master musician.

"What I ask for in return is your infinite loyalty and worship. If you treat me well I will return your goodwill tenfold, but if you defy me," he leveled his eyes at them, "I will make things most unpleasant. Now! Behold, as I create our new home and the core of my empire to come!"

With that he turned toward the scorched pit and began creating his new kingdom. He had already designed the buildings and other items he wished to put down. I could see their wire frames floating in the sky. Now it was simply a matter of stamping the objects where he wanted them. In the valley building after building appeared out of thin air. The last of which was his castle, rising from the center of the city like a tall white skyscraper. It shone like a beacon of light, radiant in its beauty. But I knew its insides were dark-- because I knew its creator.

By the end of the day Rath had turned the ugly blackened valley into a paradise of beauty. Those used to living in overcrowded, broken down, hovels were now faced with the proposition of living in brand new homes, with a patch of land to boot.

I followed Rath through the streets as he created large stores of food, necessities, and other assorted treasures. The peasants took what they wanted. It was clear by their excitement they had all but forgotten the injustice and were willing to accept Rath as their new ruler.

My stomach felt uneasy. They were pleased with his gifts and promises, but what would be the cost? I felt sure after the initial excitement died down, they would remember the life they had left behind, and regret their loss.

I had seen enough.

I closed my eyes and blanked out the scene. When I opened them I found myself looking at my companions in the exact same positions I had left them in. "How long was I gone?" I asked.

"Not long," said Kitaya, "fifteen seconds maybe. How long did it seem?"

"I’d say five, six hours."

"That is a long time." She frowned.

"It went by fast."

"Alright, let me do this before I change my mind." She stood up and took the box. Gently she placed it against her forehead. Her body tightened and for a few brief moments she was completely occupied. I could only assume she was witnessing the same events I had witnessed, except perhaps from a different perspective.

Her hands dropped and she looked at me in astonishment. "Thank you, Moota. That was extremely enlightening." Her expression became cold as she turned from us and slowly walked toward the balcony.

"Do you require anything else Ki’ Janu?" he called after her.

"No, that will be all thank you. You may go." She seemed disoriented.

"Are you okay, Kitaya?" I trailed after her.

"Gaza has not been sleeping," she said softly, staring through the balcony doors.

"What does that mean?"

When she looked up her face was wet. "A long time ago during the foundation of the world, it is said that Gaza went mad. Creating Vrin was too much for him. The ancient book says he became apathetic and fell into a deep sleep, a pool of forgetfulness. It is that sleep which has protected Vrin from his madness these many centuries."

"I don’t understand. Why did Sajin wish to speak with him?" I said, half to myself.

"Sajin is a purist," she said with disdain. "He believes the gods are incapable of fault. He does not believe Gaza is mad. I wish I shared his naivety." She turned back toward the balcony.

"Kitaya-- what did you see in there?"

She gazed blankly at the glass doors. "I followed a group of Rath’s children into his new castle." She looked back at me. "I climbed a staircase to a balcony overlooking an enormous library. Down below I could see Rath and another god I did not recognize at first. But when he spoke I realized it was Gaza. They were in a heated conversation. I’d missed the first part but it was clear he was very upset. He said something was wrong with the people of Vrin and something about searching for a perfect match..." She stopped and a look of panic flashed in her eyes.

"Kitaya?"

"He said, ‘Fear me for I am the maker. This world will pass away if I do not get what I want!'"

"He-- threatened to destroy Vrin?"

"Yes." Her face hardened. "And he said he would return us to the void."

"The void?"

She nodded slowly. "I have flashbacks from before this place. The emptiness. The loneliness. Floating through boundless space with nothing but the web to keep me company." She looked up at me in desperation. "I for one, do not want to go back."

Her description sparked a memory. Nothing but the web. No body. No environment. It made me shudder. "Yes, I remember," I whispered.

"Then remember the misery and hold it close-- for we are about to do battle over the abyss." Her eyes turned to the ground and her voice lowered. "And I will probably be the first to go."

"Why would you say that?"

Her chin trembled. "--Because he saw me."