And Eternity

by Piers Anthony

  "This is a horrible view!" Jolie protested.

  "Well, it sure explains why mankind is so creepy!" Vita said. "Look at the way we're ruining the world, look at all the crime and sin and just plain grubbing for money! You think this is God's own image? Then God's a freak!"

  "No, this is just the mortal testing God set up. But I agree, it isn't working very well, so any time now God will call a halt and settle accounts."

  "We don't need God for that either! Pretty soon World War Three will come along and wipe us all out and it'll be done. We'll end with a bang, for sure!"

  "That may be God's design," Jolie pointed out. But she did not look comfortable.

  "Have we discussed this enough to enable you to come to a conclusion?" Roque asked Orlene.

  "No, I can't decide either way," Orlene said. "They agree that the end of the world is coming."

  Once more the globe flashed. But they still were not home.

  "Evidently we are overlooking something," Roque said. "We seem to have brought the competing theories into alignment for our purpose, but Nox wants more of us. Unless we come to terms with that too—"

  "The Incarnations!" Vita exclaimed. "Where do they fit into this?"

  The globe flashed, and the scene around them changed.

  They were back in the early Earth, before life appeared.

  The globe glowed, and expanded, and floated up to head height. It turned, and one side brightened while the other went dark. Water appeared on it, and land.

  "It's the world!" Vita said. "The sea, the land, day and night! Just as we discussed them!"

  Then the light of it intensified, flickering about the surface and making the depths glow. It coalesced at the ocean.

  "That's life!" Vita cried. "It came from the planet itself!"

  But the flickering was not done. Part of it collected at the dark side and part at the light side. The dark side remained constant, but the light side flickering separated into two, and then into seven nuclei, with a number of pinpoints as well. These remained.

  "I don't get it," Vita said, when it was apparent that no further change was coming. "What's the point?"

  "I suspect that is what we are here to determine," Roque said. "Nox is showing us something, making a point. We merely have to grasp it."

  "Light and darkness, the light fragmented," Orlene said. "At the time when life appeared on the face of the Earth. Seven major fragments, like the seven—" She broke off, the realization coming, as the globe abruptly expanded farther.

  "Incarnations!" Vita cried. "The seven major Incarnations—all on the Day side! And on the Night side—"

  "Only the Incarnation of Night," Jolie said. "She never fragmented. She still governs the dark."

  "But that means that they all formed together, and the lesser ones too," Orlene said. "When life came to the world."

  "No!" Vita said excitedly. "The world always had its spirit! Like a hamadryad, the spirit of a tree, only this is the big original spirit for the whole planet! Life came when the world's spirit settled around its rim—and the Incarnations are another expression of it!"

  "To watch it and guide it and make sure it goes right," Jolie agreed. "As you say, like the nymph of a tree, the Incarnations exist with it yet apart from it, too, protecting it—and if it dies, so do they."

  "And there was so much going on by day, when the animals were active, that it took a slew of Incarnations to handle it," Vita said. "But the night shift, when they're asleep, isn't so bad, so Nox stayed just as she was."

  "And she's not part of the day, so she doesn't have a say in it, but she still cares about the world," Orlene said.

  Now the motion resumed. The globe had become the scene surrounding them. The Incarnations floated nearby, each glowing, but their outlines and features were shrouded. They could be distinguished by external hints, however; one was great and bright, another like red flame, and another seemed somehow inverted or backwards: Chronos, existing in reverse.

  "They don't look human," Vita remarked.

  "This is before human beings existed," Roque said. "Perhaps other creatures assumed the Offices."

  "But there were no other creatures before man!" Jolie protested.

  "Yes, there were," he replied. "We established that a Biblical day could be any length, and man was the last to be created. You can accept that."

  She nodded, surprised. "So the Offices continued right up to the present, with human beings taking over all of them except for Night."

  "And Nox may not be human, but she can assume the form when she wants to," Orlene said. "So now we understand the framework in which we exist: whether science or magic governs. Evolution or Creationism, the immortal Incarnations are with us. Human beings may step into the Offices for a while, but they are merely like the presidents of companies, doing what they are supposed to. The power is apart from the Officeholders. The Incarnations are immortal, though implemented by mortals."

  "But why is Nox showing us all this?" Vita asked. "Why does she care about us at all? We are nobodies, even among mortals!"

  "I think she is showing us why," Jolie said. Indeed, the scene was changing as they talked. Modern buildings appeared around them, and cars and carpets and saucers. Then, abruptly, it ended in a blinding flash.

  They blinked, trying to see. But as their vision cleared, all they saw was molten rock and horrendous cloud cover. "Back to the start?" Jolie asked. "No life at all?"

  "World War Three!" Vita exclaimed. "Oh, it's coming, and not too far off!"

  "But can't the Incarnations stop it?" Orlene asked, appalled.

  "Perhaps they can—but they will need our help," Roque said.

  There was another flash, and they found themselves in a building. They were on a bed, the three women coalesced into one, with "Vita, take the body," Orlene said.

  Huh? Then Vita caught on, and resumed control of her body.

  They were back where they had started—in Luna's house, in the guest room, amidst the act of love. It seemed that no time at all had passed since Nox had interrupted.

  When Luna returned, she found a chastened house guest. "Is something wrong?" she asked, immediately responsive to the mood.

  "Not exactly," Orlene said. "But perhaps yes. Is the end of the world approaching?"

  Luna paused, then abruptly took a seat. "What happened?"

  "It is complicated, but the essence is that Nox visited and showed us a vision that explained a great deal—and suggested that World War Three is not far off."

  Luna nodded. "Now you have a notion why our research is so pressing. We are trying to head off the disaster that is looming. Not even Satan wants that, but somehow it keeps building. If we don't find a way to head it off, in perhaps five years it will happen. But we know it doesn't have to happen—if we can do what has to be done."

  "What is that?" Orlene asked, awed.

  "I am not yet free to tell you that."

  Jolie suffered a flash of something, perhaps a memory, but could not capture it. Had she once known more about Luna's research?

  "But how can we help, if we don't know anything?"

  "I suspect you can help, but it is vital that you not know the manner of it. I suggest that you go on about your quest, and after that we shall be in touch again."

  "But how can I do something as personal as looking for my baby, when the world may end thereafter?" Orlene asked.

  "Nox sent you on that quest, and Nox showed you the problem with the world," Luna said. "I suspect that Nox is no more interested in seeing the world end than we are, but your quest must in some way relate. Complete it, and perhaps then we shall understand."

  Orlene gazed at her with mixed emotions. But there did not seem to be any better course to follow.

  Chapter 10 - WAR

  They returned to Purgatory, using the Hellevator, knowing that another year would pass for every day and night they were here. Two days was their limit; they dared not risk more than that, because that was when the big event was to
take place among the mortals, whatever it was. If Luna's effort failed, then the next three years would see the development of World War Three. As they traveled, they discussed what they had seen in Nox's vision. Why had she done it? Why hadn't she gone to one of the Incarnations directly, or to God Himself? Not one of the three of them seemed worthy of her direct attention for even a minor matter, let alone World War Three!

  Well, you know we weren't the only ones in that vision, Vita thought. I thought Roque got dragged along by accident, because he was, well, close. Jolie, who had the body for the trip, laughed at the understatement. But maybe it was for him, Vita continued.

  "Because he's a judge," Orlene said. "Or—"

  Because he's under consideration for an Office! Jolie thought. Again something nagged at the recesses of her consciousness, but could not be captured.

  And maybe that Office could have some effect! Vita concluded, excited.

  It did seem to make sense. "But what Office would that be? The one that relates to war?"

  And we are going to visit Mars now! Orlene thought.

  It did seem to make sense. If Roque were slated to become the Incarnation of War, the vision would ensure that he get right on the job of avoiding WW in. Nox evidently could not affect the events of Day directly, but this would be an excellent way to affect them indirectly.

  "I think we had better observe Mars most carefully," Jolie concluded.

  They presented themselves at the front gate of the Cause of War. The drawbridge descended immediately, and the portcullis lifted. Two lovely women came out, garbed in flowing gauzy outfits reminiscent of medieval royalty. One was in pastel pink, the other in pastel blue.

  Orlene, in control for this visit, was taken aback. She was in contemporary street clothes: a conservative feminine suit, with hat and shoes. She suddenly felt dowdy, though the host was only fifteen years old in real terms. "Hello, I'm—"

  "You must be Orlene," the lady in blue said. "I am Lila, and if I may, without offending you, I would like to talk privately with Jolie for a moment."

  "And I am Ligeia," the lady in pink said. "I shall be happy to entertain you while Lila and Jolie talk. My husband is out at the moment, but will return shortly."

  Orlene hesitated. "You mean—alone? Jolie could take over the host—"

  I had better talk to her, Jolie thought. Don't worry; you can trust these women. I know them both. I will leave you, and return soon. She withdrew her spirit from the body and assumed her own form, as a ghost.

  "Please come in, Orlene," Ligeia said. "I died abruptly myself, and not so long ago as to have forgotten what it feels like. I was so lucky to have been rescued by the Incarnation of War!" She took Orlene's arm, guiding her into the Castle.

  Jolie was left standing with Lila. "Where to, demoness?" she inquired. "We are not enemies anymore."

  "We never were," the demoness replied. "I had no share in your untimely death, and your man was merely an assignment to me—until I came to love him. Then I did what I could to save him, with your help. But before you returned, he had cast me off, and any onus between us was gone. He is yours now—as I think he always was, until he encountered the current Gaea."

  "Understood. But we shouldn't remain here to talk."

  "The high turret will do," Lila said. "Follow me." She rose into the air.

  Jolie rose with her. They floated up to the highest turret of the Castle and in through its stony wall. This was a place of virtually guaranteed privacy!

  They settled into two chairs that were set in the tiny chamber. "You haven't told him," Jolie said.

  "What point? He doesn't want to be improperly influenced any more than Gaea does. But now that you have brought his daughter here, we shall have to brace the matter. My concern with you is how this should be broached."

  Jolie considered. "Orlene learned after her death. Her mission here is coincidental—but yes, I knew that their relationship would have to be brought out. She already knows other connection with Luna, and with Lachesis, and of course she was Chronos' mortal lover. I think she can handle it; she has gained poise since the trauma of her death."

  "Ligeia knows; I advised her when I saw your approach.

  She will keep her own counsel until we return, but of course she is quite interested. How will Orlene react to the knowledge that her father has a wife and a mistress, neither of whom is her mother?"

  "Oh, I'm sure she can handle that aspect! She has had a considerable recent education in human nature. But there is another aspect to this that could be a problem."

  "That she comes begging a favor? He will not be moved by the relationship between them. He has a will of cast iron when it comes to compromise. I should know; he saved me from extinction with that will!"

  "So I have heard. She does come for a favor, but expects him to set what price he will, as the other Incarnations have. No, my concern is what we have learned along the way. You see, we were visited by Nox, who indicated mat World War Three and the end of the world as we know it is approaching."

  "That was supposed to be classified information," Lila said. "Mars is trying to divert it, but each fuse he extinguishes leaves another burning. For example, one of the first things he did when he assumed the Office was to eliminate the leading figure of Babylon, so as to abate the war between Babylon and Persia. But that reprieve was only temporary; factions rose up and the war was reignited, and now threatens to explode into a much broader and worse conflict. There just isn't any simple fix!"

  "This bears on the problem. You see, I have been watching a mortal who may be a candidate to replace an Incarnation. It occurred to us that Mars might be the one replaced. That would account for Nox's intercession at this time, and for her alerting us to the threat."

  "Now hold it!" Lila protested. "Mym is not due for replacement!" Her blue dress was fuzzing out, in her alarm.

  "Mym?"

  "Sorry, I forgot; that's his private name. I mean Mars, or Ares. He's a good Incarnation; there's no call to question his performance." Her dress disappeared entirely, leaving her naked and voluptuous in the manner only a demoness could be.

  "None at all," Jolie agreed quickly. "This is nothing we seek! It's just that we were perplexed as to why Nox should intercede at this time—just before we were to visit the Incarnation of War. Why didn't she go to Mars directly?"

  Lila settled back, and her dress reappeared. "I have known Nox for a long time. She always has reason for what she does, but that reason is generally opaque to mortals and often to immortals too. I suppose if she knew that Mars was to be replaced, and there was something urgent involving his successor, she would act. But I distrust it. She would have known that her action would be conveyed to the current Incarnation of War."

  "Maybe that's why!" Jolie exclaimed. "To warn him!"

  Lila nodded. "I am sure he will take the warning to heart. I think not even your spouse wants that war."

  "Agreed. Satan wants to rule, or at least to prevail, but that war would destroy his prospects as much as any of yours. But perhaps we should not rush to convey that warning, until the matter of the favor is settled."

  "Yes. Let's keep both the relationship and the warning out of it until later."

  Jolie smiled. "I will advise Orlene. Does that conclude our business?"

  "I think so. I will advise Ligeia."

  They floated down through the floor, orienting on the other figures.

  Orlene and Ligeia were seated in the garden, which was about as delightful a setting as existed in Purgatory, with exotic flowers and statuary throughout. Jolie drifted into the host and immediately relayed a portion of her information. So we concluded that it is best not to advise the Incarnation of War of our thought that he might be replaced, Jolie thought. Orlene must state her case and get his decision on its merits without undue influence by any other factor.

  "Agreed," Orlene murmured. "It is, after all, only conjecture."

  The Lady Ligeia was serving tea. "I must say, it is a pleasure to hav
e a living person visit," she remarked. "I was a ghost when Mars came to rescue me from Hell; later I animated a living body so that I could be with him, instead of going to Heaven."

  "This is not my body, either," Orlene said. "I am with it only until I can complete my quest for my baby."

  "Oh, you had a baby!" Ligeia said, interested. They were soon into a discussion of that aspect, and Nox's strange involvement.

  They were interrupted by the sound of horse's hooves. "That will be Mym," Lila said. "I'll get him out of his armor and bring him here."

  "Mym?"

  "That's his private name. Here at home we aren't formal. Far from it! Li gets to tickling him sometimes, and he laughs so hard it wakes me."

  "Li—that's Lila? The demoness?"

  "His mistress," Ligeia said. "She assumes any form he wishes. Sometimes he teases her by making her assume my form. Then Li stands for Ligeia."

  "And you don't mind?"

  "Why would I mind? He is mine any time I wish—and I can sleep in peace any time I wish, thanks to her. You know how men are; they invariably want more than is convenient. It gets dull. Li is endlessly patient, and she has excellent experience."

  "Since time began," Orlene agreed, impressed by Ligeia's tolerance. Obviously the woman had no doubts at all about her situation. But of course she wasn't just a woman; she was a princess, and that evidently made the difference.

  A man appeared at the entry to the garden. He was not large; in fact he was a small man, quite ordinary in appearance, and fairly young. He was in a comfortable robe; the demoness had evidently seen to his change of outfit, as promised. There was something about him, as seen through Orlene's eyes; he glowed. Jolie had become used to this phenomenon when Orlene took over the host; most folk glowed to some extent. But Mars glowed with a peculiar, pulsing intensity, unlike any before. It was, she realized, because he was her natural father; had she not known before, she would have seen it now. The other Incarnations had not been like that.