Architecture & Adversity

by Jeremy Dwyer

  “I’ve learned a great deal, Duchess. Our time working with Fantine is nearing an end,” Governor Lux said.

  ~~~

  In the Port of Reliance, Fantine and Niven continued walking between and through the structures, with Niven holding up more lightkeeper crystals to capture the image of the city’s design, inside and out. As the light of the many suns shone through them, the details were emblazoned into them.

  Ximenez escorted them as they went, looking into each crystal as Niven finished it.

  “You are now up to eleven (11) lightkeeper crystals and we are not finished exploring the largest buildings. How much can the crystals capture, seeing that you have to switch to a new one so often?” Ximenez asked.

  “According to my father, who knew how to make them, they could capture all of this in just one (1) crystal. It could even capture shadows of hidden things, if angled correctly. However, that kind of image wouldn’t be useful for anyone unless they drank the Kazofen waters and could peer inside the crystal’s low-level structure using the powers those waters give. Instead, the way I am using them is to capture the images optically, so anyone can directly see it. That’s where the limit comes from – it has to be visible to the unaided eye,” Niven said.

  “Shadows of hidden things? That’s interesting…very interesting, actually. We’ll talk more about that later,” Fantine said.

  Ximenez wrote this explanation down into his book, along with sketching what he saw in each of the lightkeeper crystals.

  “We’ll talk whenever you’re ready. So, how many more buildings do you want to image?” Niven asked.

  “Just this building and the next – the rest of the city is symmetric, so it wouldn’t be helpful to repeat the imaging process. After that, you can make the copies quickly. We can take them to the central bank and get my payment. Then, we can return to the Port of Kemalorin, and find some other work to do. I’ve got some more ideas for improvements, and I want to learn more about what else these lightkeepers can do…and whatever else your father might have told you about them,” Fantine said.

  “I’ll help you however you need. He explained a lot of it to me. I don’t drink the Kazofen waters, but you do, so you’ll understand,” Niven said.

  Niven continued walking alongside Fantine, recording images as he went. They entered the building next to which they were standing, after having captured its exterior image. Ximenez continue following them and recording anything of note into his book. Once inside, Niven began angling the next lightkeeper crystal up to the window so that the many suns could burn images of the building’s interior into the crystal.

  As they went along, Fantine drank anew of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean from her vial. She kept several vials with her, all purified by her own work, so as to be ready. She was energized by this, and peered into the low-level crystal structure, looking for flaws in the construction.

  “The construction is sound, at the low-level. You can’t see that directly, of course, but I can by drinking the Kazofen waters. The change to the constructor to use smaller sapphires with magnification didn’t introduce any flaws…so far. I knew that the city’s core design was correct, so I wasn’t worried about that,” Fantine said.

  “What about the airship docking? Wasn’t the Governor concerned that airships might collide with the upper-level piers? That wouldn’t be your fault, but he wants to hold you responsible,” Niven asked.

  “Airship docking by a professional captain is not where the risk is. Overloaded cargo holds on ships with poorly paid amateur captains running on tight schedules are the problem. That’s a matter of hasty carelessness by traders eager for early profits. I understand that everybody needs to get paid on time, at least a percentage, to cover their costs. That’s no excuse for poor navigation,” Fantine said.

  “If there is a collision, then what would happen?” Niven asked.

  “The city and the pier would be fine. The captain would lose their own ship, possibly destroying the ships beneath them. If their steering and navigation skills are not up to the task of airship docking at the upper levels, then they shouldn’t try it,” Fantine said.

  “You said before that you used to hold yourself to a standard of perfection, and then allowed yourself to make mistakes along the way. What if they try and just make a mistake?” Niven asked.

  “What are you getting at? That I’m applying a double standard? Flying an airship is a routine task, with well-defined technical requirements. Designing a new structure – especially a new city – is an experiment. There’s a difference,” Fantine said, annoyed.

  “I’m not accusing you of anything. It’s just that most people aren’t even half as smart as you. Even by you allowing yourself to make mistakes, you still hold yourself to a higher standard – and live up to it – than most other people could hope to achieve. They make mistakes and they know it. I’ve never seen your mistakes. I just watch you do amazing things followed by even more amazing things,” Niven said.

  “I designed the city to withstand damage from any mistakes. The cargo captains and navigators will have to do their best to steer the ships. If their best isn’t good enough, they’ll have to do better, or dock only at sea level. Or just not come here,” Fantine said.

  “Some of us can only hope to rise to your level,” Niven said.

  “Keep working. Focus intensely on the work, and how to improve and innovate, and maybe you can,” Fantine said.

  “I’ll never stop,” Niven said.

  “I believe it. Now, let’s finish up the imaging work here,” Fantine said. She knew what he was really implying, because of their past conversations. If he was planning on sticking around in her life, it was going to be hard work all the way. Since he was actually useful to her, she planned on allowing it. Niven was definitely annoying, but nothing was going to come of his romantic advances, flatteries or personal questions.

  Ximenez recorded even the conversation between Fantine and Niven into his book, as it was part of the history of this place and the Chronicler’s Oath demanded he record as much of the truth as he could. However, he did not personally care about their romantic relationship, or lack thereof. His thoughts were only of Sethunya and the sacrifice she had made by her awful suffering when she spoke against King Xander.

  ~~~

  In the center of the Port of Reliance, Romana turned to Onora and asked: “Onora, will you be returning to Emeth now that the city is constructed?”

  “The city is constructed, but it isn’t built. The city is more about the people who live, work and visit here than the physical structure. The structure of their beliefs and values, and their relationships with God, are what have to be built up. No, I still have much work to do here, my friend,” Onora said.

  “Now, I need to be on my way. I need to return to the Jenaldej authorities in Revod and deliver this conditional contract. May God bless you with wisdom and opportunity to spread His Message,” Romana said.

  Onora took Romana by the hands and said: “May God bless us both, that we may be inspired to serve Him.”

  Judith was standing by Romana’s side this whole time. She stepped forward and said to Onora: “Thank you for the opportunity to see this. May God bless you, always, for your boldness and faith.”

  “Judith, I’m ready to deliver this contract, if you’re still interested in traveling with me,” Romana said.

  “Absolutely, yes,” Judith said. With anyone else, she would have asserted her authority under the Chronicler’s Oath. Going on the journey was in accordance with the Oath, since she would record the official decision that the Jenaldej Empire made about the city ownership, the contract and the liability stipulation. However, it was out of her love for her friend, Romana, that she went enthusiastically.

  Romana and Judith then traveled to the eastern edge of the Port of Reliance and went out onto a pier, finding an available captain, as many ships had come to visit, looking for business transporting passengers. There, they booked passage on a ship he
ading north across the Pirovalen Ocean toward Emeth. Romana paid one (1) platinum coin for that leg of the journey and then paid another two (2) platinum coins to book passage on a second ship, sailing northeast across the Medathero Ocean toward the eastern coast of Revod. Judith traveled the entire way for free, as was customary for Chroniclers.

  Along the way, in their shared cabin, Judith asked: “Do you think Fantine will ever change and give up her pride and disbelief?”

  “I can pray for that, but she has to be willing. True faith is not forced by God. An accepting heart is needed,” Romana said.

  “Then we should pray now,” Judith said.

  “Yes, of course,” Romana said.

  Judith stood and held Romana’s hands. Romana led the prayer, saying: “We pray to Thee, One True God, to open the eyes of the architect, Fantine, who believes that she builds without Your Guidance and Your Wisdom, who disbelieves that You created the ocean waters that grant her power and the gemstones with which she designs. We pray to Thee, to open her heart to Your Love.”

  “Please, Dear God, lead that woman to You,” Judith said.

  After their prayer, they sat down across from each other and Romana said: “I’m touched to see your concern for the faith of others. I know you can’t directly get involved because of the Oath, but you have come to believe that prayer is the most powerful means by which you can affect change for the better.”

  “I also need my own faith to grow…through understanding. Onora mentioned God sending His Son to be punished for our sins. What does that mean? I’ve never heard that before, and I want to know more,” Judith said.

  “You do need to know more of the story, that’s true. And I want her to explain it to you. After we deliver this contract, we’ll go back to Emeth, so you can submit your book. After that, we’ll deliver the signed contract to the central bank – assuming the resource coordinator agrees to it, and I can’t guarantee that, but he might. Then, let’s both go back to the Port of Reliance and listen to what she has to say,” Romana said.

  “Do you not understand what she means?” Judith asked.

  “Not as well as I would like, I’m sorry to have to admit. She wants to explain it to everyone who will listen, when they’re ready. It’s the most important message, but you can’t explain it to people who aren’t ready to hear it. Instead of growing in faith, they might reject the message and weaken in their faith,” Romana said.

  “Why didn’t she explain it then, after her song?” Judith asked.

  “Because she is still waiting for more people to arrive. Soon, they will, and we need to be there. It’s going to be very exciting, both of us will learn a great deal. She is a great teacher, of much more than music,” Romana said.

  “I’m not leaving your side before that happens,” Judith said.

  “You don’t ever have to leave my side, as far as I’m concerned,” Romana said.

  ~~~

  Outside a small town along the eastern coast of the Solkidian Trail land bridge, Tiziano stood and surveyed the eighty-one (81) children and adolescents that had been gathered from local villages and farm fields. He drank anew of the waters of the Nabavodel Ocean from his vial and was energized. His strength was there to quell any resistance from either the youths or anyone who might mettle. However, the process had been peaceable, and the eighty-one (81) youngsters were easily gathered from their labors in the farm fields.

  Noemi drank anew of the waters of the Elanatin Ocean from her vial and was energized. She telepathically probed their minds, looking for doubt or suspicion. Then, she spoke to them, saying: “You each drink the Atrejan waters, to hear the stars, or the Dead Waters, giving nothing. Either way, your fields produce little. You were abandoned to your poverty, and your parents offer you little hope for a brighter future. We will take you from this life of poverty and give you a richer reward. Forget this life. Forget this place. Forget all those who failed you. To prosper, you must leave them behind. You will reap an abundant harvest in fields more fertile than what you have ever seen, no matter what water you drink.” With these words, and with her telepathic powers, she caused them to forget this life.

  Surrounding them was a band of darkness – a circular wall – created by Velia. She drank anew of the waters of the Ikkith Tar Ocean from her vial and was energized. Thus, she was able to continue projecting that dark band so that no one could see the gathering.

  Saverio stood in front of the youths. He drank anew of the waters of the Atrejan Ocean from his vial to become energized. He then listened for the sounds of the stars – specifically seeking the sounds he believed were of the violet suns – but found only those of the blue, yellow and red suns. Still, he believed he would soon hear them again. He spoke to the young audience, saying: “Those of you who drink of the Atrejan waters – perhaps you have heard the glorious sound if you listened at the proper moment. What was lost we hope to find soon. Stars that were, and then were no more, shall be again. In ancient times, the three (3) violet suns burned hotter and brighter than the blue suns – the sky’s supposed nine (9) kings – who receive more reverence than they are due. The blue suns are, indeed, noble, but they are not the greatest. It is blasphemy for any to adore them – or any other – except for the three (3) violet suns that once burned above us. They were the true masters, and they shall be again. Come with us to find them, and then give them praise.”

  Chiarina drank anew of the waters of the Lujladia Ocean from her vial. She was energized and began to project an image of the world, with seventy-three (73) suns around it, instead of the usual seventy (70). Added to the images of the ordinary – the nine (9) large, blue suns; the twenty-four (24) medium, yellow suns and the thirty-seven (37) small, red suns – were three (3) enormous violet suns. “This is the true sky, and the three (3) violet suns are its lords,” Chiarina said.

  “Hold out your right hands,” Uberto said to them.

  The eighty-one (81) adolescents and children each opened their hands, as directed. Noemi had telepathically relaxed them, making them more trusting. In each open hand was a purple amethyst.

  “These precious stones – the purple amethysts – which we gave to each of you earlier, are symbols. They symbolize our true lords in the sky – the three (3) violet suns – that you will come to know and love. They also have material value, symbolizing the wealth which we promise to deliver when you give yourselves over to the violet suns,” Uberto said. He then drank anew of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean from his vial and was energized. He walked among the youths and placed his hands on the amethysts, altering them slightly, molding them to have a triangular cut.

  “Look at the amethysts in your hands now. Look closely,” Uberto said.

  The eighty-one (81) adolescents and children each looked at the amethysts in their right hands, noting their appearance.

  “The amethysts now have a triangular form – one (1) shape with three (3) sides. The number (1) symbolizes the fact that the violet suns rule over our world, ranking first among all suns. The number three (3) symbolizes the fact that they are a trinity of violet fires whom we adore,” Uberto said.

  Ines drank anew of the waters of the waters of the Zovvin Ocean from her vial and was energized. She then spoke to the youths, saying: “Our destinies – beyond this life and this world – belong to the three (3) violet suns. They are alive more than anyone or anything. More than even the oceans. They burn with a fire of eternal love, yet they have been hidden from us for ages. They were hidden because of our sins – we were not worthy to gaze upon them. Yet, they are preparing to return, and we must seek them out, and repent of our ways. We must denounce and destroy the false religion of the nine (9) blue suns – worshipping them is worshipping an inferior power, a blasphemy which has doomed many souls. For our own souls to be saved, we must confess the three (3) violent suns, and adore them, and love them.”

  “Forget your families, and the poverty in which they raised you. They are dead, because they did not teach you of the truth of
the three (3) violet suns, but raised you under the nine (9) blue suns, who are false gods and false kings – merely noble flames adored far beyond their true merits, insulting the divine glory of the three (3) violet suns, who are the true lords of the sky. We shall leave this place and meet our lords,” Saverio said. He began walking toward the east, followed by the eighty-one (81) youths, as well as Tiziano, Uberto, Chiarina, Noemi and Ines. Velia also followed, moving the band of darkness with them.

  They boarded the Unbroken Amethyst, whereon Velia was able to ease the darkness.

  “Tiziano, take the youths below deck and guard them,” Saverio said.

  Tiziano guided the eighty-one (81) children and adolescents below deck, where he watched over them.

  “We have a sufficient offering with these eighty-one (81). Now, we will need to construct a temple. Do you have the design, Uberto?” Saverio asked.

  “I am still working on that. Yet, even when it is constructed, I will need many workers to help assemble it. They will need to be drinkers of the Kazofen Ocean waters, eager for profit,” Uberto said.

  “Meridianus is home to both farmers and precious gem miners. We can appeal to their desire for financial gain,” Saverio said.

  “Why not recruit miners from an island in the Kazofen Ocean?” Uberto asked.

  “Because those are well-traveled waters and the miners who work the islands along there are much more highly paid, so they will demand greater wages from us,” Saverio said.

  “Whatever is most efficient,” Uberto said.

  “Are the workers from Meridianus sufficiently skilled to build your designs, Uberto? If they are not, and the temple collapses, the way the one at Mev’Kna did, it will be a blasphemy against the violet suns. Our souls will be brought to ruin,” Ines asked.

  “So long as their water purity is adequate – a matter which I can control – they will be capable. You need only put your blessing upon it,” Uberto said.

  “How long will it take to build? These children will become impatient if it is too long. Will they be cooperative so that I can bless them and consecrate their spirits?” Ines asked.