Architecture & Adversity

by Jeremy Dwyer

  “How can you bring me home? Where is home?” Aura asked.

  “Home is in a new way of life, no matter where you live. Your soul is sick, Aura. You are burning with sin – enough that you’ve destroyed lives. Not only did you murder two (2) of our sisters, you helped King Xander to enslave nearly half the world. He murdered people who didn’t obey him, all with your help. He wanted power, and you wanted to share in that power. You always wanted what someone else had. That is the root of it all for you. Your anger and lust were really born of envy. That’s what drives you to do every terrible thing you do,” Kassia said.

  “You’re right about me. I don’t want to have less than other people,” Aura said.

  “I know. I also know that King Xander was about greed – he wanted all ocean powers. He thought he could find the source, but he was fooled in the end. Mostly, he was fooled by himself, because he believed that the impossible was within reach. There are no unified waters; still, he was tricked into believing that they existed and that they were found. The ruse led him into a trap, and then he was destroyed,” Kassia said.

  “I was there when that happened. I thought it was real – I didn’t know it was a trick, but I didn’t want King Xander to have the powers. He betrayed me, so I knew he would betray everyone else, too. I sang against him, to warn everyone of what he was planning,” Aura said.

  “The king is dead, but you’re still guilty of the sin of murder,” Kassia said.

  “I can’t change that. I can only try to give him the best life I can,” Aura said, holding Arik close and kissing him on the forehead. She was afraid of losing him because of her own past evils catching up with her.

  “I know that can’t be changed. But you can be changed. You can become a good person,” Kassia said.

  “How?” Aura asked.

  “Do you know where you’re from?” Kassia asked.

  “Our mother and father,” Aura said.

  “Where are they from?” Kassia asked.

  “Their parents. That’s how it goes, all the way back,” Aura asked.

  “All the way back how far?” Kassia asked.

  “I don’t know. I wasn’t here in the beginning,” Aura said.

  “God created us. He put us here. He even created the world and the oceans,” Kassia said.

  “What are you talking about? Who is this ‘God’?” Aura asked.

  “The One True God who loves us so much that He created us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our sins, and the sins we will commit in the days to come, and He loves us anyway,” Kassia said.

  “What are you trying to do? This all religion. It’s fairy tales for children,” Aura asked.

  “No. It’s not myth or fairy tales. It’s real. I’ve been praying to God for you. That you have God’s Forgiveness, for He is merciful as well as just,” Kassia said.

  “Why are you praying to God? You didn’t even explain to me who ‘God’ is?” Aura asked.

  “God is a spiritual being of unlimited power, goodness, wisdom and love. God is eternal – having no beginning or end, or limitations or flaws,” Kassia said.

  “Spirit? You don’t drink the Zovvin waters. You don’t know anything about spirits. If anybody knew, it would be Rivka, and she never mentioned ‘God’,” Aura said.

  “Rivka was as envious as you are, and she was consumed by envy. She never cared about knowing God. You need to care. Your very soul is in danger,” Kassia said.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Aura asked.

  “Your soul is who you are – the spiritual being that lives on after this physical existence ends for you. When you die, that soul will be judged by God, and yours will be found wanting. You will almost certainly be condemned for your sins,” Kassia said.

  “I thought you said God was merciful and loves us despite our sins,” Aura said.

  “God is also righteous, and sins must be paid for,” Kassia said.

  “How do I pay for them? Do I have to be put to death? Is that what you’re saying? That won’t bring anybody back! He still needs me!” Aura asked, holding Arik tighter still.

  “You can’t pay for them. There is nothing you could say or do that would ever be enough,” Kassia said.

  “Then what do you want me to do?” Aura asked.

  “I want you to listen and keep an open mind. God sent His Son, who is perfect, truthful and innocent, to suffer instead of us. Only His Son could pay the price for our sins, because the punishment for our sins must be dealt in such great measure that it overflows, far beyond what the guilty could ever pay, for they deserve every bit of it and more. Instead, only a perfect, truthful and innocent person could properly repay our debt to God by suffering that immense punishment,” Kassia said.

  “That makes no sense. Assuming this ‘Son of God’ even exists, and is as wonderful as you say he is, then why should he have to pay? He didn’t deserve it. That is a backwards religion that punishes the innocent,” Aura said.

  “I’m not sure I understand it either, Kassia,” Daley said.

  “Consider a hard-working man who earned a great deal of wealth and then had several children. He was generous to each of his children, giving them a home and food, teaching them what was right, and how to become adults. They go out to work and become successful. However, the children are proud, so they deny their father’s generosity, pretending that they achieved everything without him. Furthermore, they are greedy, so they steal from their father’s savings to enrich themselves. Then, when they are caught in their lies and thievery, they put their father to death, so that he cannot reclaim his reputation or wealth. When anyone questions them about it, that person is also put to death, so as to conceal their false pride and stolen wealth,” Kassia said.

  “Who is the hard-working man? I don’t understand this metaphor,” Aura asked.

  “He is God, but He cannot be put to death. The children think they have killed Him, and they continue to deny His Name. They claim that all their achievements and learning are their own, that their wealth is of their own creation, and that they owe nothing to Him. Yet, it is a lie. They persecute and kill anyone who speaks the truth,” Kassia said.

  “That makes a little bit of sense, but then who is the ‘Son of God’?” Aura asked.

  “I only half understand where this is going,” Daley said.

  “In this story, how much of a debt is owed to God?” Kassia asked.

  “Everything. The debt is total…in this story,” Aura said.

  “Exactly. The children cannot repay the debt. To give all that they have is only giving back the gifts God had already given them, so that does not repay the debt. When a thief steals, he must repay more than what he took, out of righteousness. What more do these children have? Nothing. Only the Son of God could do that. He lived a perfect life, spoke the Truth of God, and was persecuted and murdered for it,” Kassia said.

  “Didn’t this ‘Son of God’ also have a debt to God? What belonged to this ‘Son of God’ that he could repay a debt? He was better than everyone else? Did he have more than us given to him?” Aura asked.

  “He was perfectly obedient. He was innocent of all sin. He spoke only the truth. In these ways, He did not incur God’s Wrath. Instead, he built up a great treasure of goodness, and from that he could repay God,” Kassia said.

  “Then how does putting this ‘Son of God’ to death do us any good? This story stops making sense there,” Aura asked.

  “When the Son of God was murdered for the message He delivered – the message of love, faith and obedience to God – then this spiritual treasure that He stored up was released, paying for our sins, because it was boundless. God values love, faith and obedience so greatly that they have power you cannot yet understand, but you can to learn to,” Kassia said.

  “I’m struggling. Maybe this story makes sense to you, but the last part makes no sense to me. All I want is a better life for me and my son,” Aura said.

  “It doesn’t make sense to me that yo
u murdered our sisters and think that everything will be well for you. Yet, you do. In the end, the Wrath of God will come against you,” Kassia said.

  “I told you, I’m sorry. If your ‘God’ is merciful, then He knows it, too, and forgives me,” Aura said.

  “He is merciful. He will forgive you, if you accept that His Son paid for your sins by His Life and His Death,” Kassia said.

  “I’m having a hard time understanding it and you want me to accept it?” Aura asked.

  “Think about it. Hold my hands and pray with me,” Kassia said. She held out her hands.

  Aura stood there, holding Arik in her arms. She was not doing anything, and feeling very confused.

  “I do love you. I want us to be a family. I want to know you as my sister. I want to know my nephew. I want better. Only God can make it better, through His Son,” Kassia said.

  Aura stood there, still confused.

  “Take my hand. Please. There is a way home,” Kassia said, still holding out her hands. She even extended a hand to Daley.

  Daley joined hands with Kassia.

  From outside the building, Claudia had been listening, probing Kassia’s mind. When she learned of Kassia’s dealings with the central bank, she thought she had found an ally who could help her uncover the financial trickery. Now, she was interested in learning more about what Kassia had to say. She entered the building and took Daley’s hand. “I want to know more. This is bigger than I had ever imagined,” she said.

  The Chronicler Alonso took Claudia’s hand. He had listened to what Kassia was saying, even though he couldn’t probe her mind in the way Claudia could. “I am Alonso, Chronicler of three thousand four hundred eighty (3480) years. I need to know all that you can show and tell me,” Alonso said.

  “She’s your sister. She needs you,” Claudia said.

  Aura nestled Arik in her arms then reached out her hands. She took Kassia’s right hand Alonso’s left hand to form a prayer circle. They extended their arms further so Aura could continue to hold the boy.

  Kassia began to pray, saying: “We pray to Thee, One True God, for Your Divine Mercy upon my sister, who desperately needs you. She needs you like no one I have ever met. I love her, in spite of all that she has done. I love her, and want her to be part of my family again. Only Your Love gives life. Only Your Mercy heals. Only Your Wisdom is true. Only You can build lasting family and only You can restore it, through Your Perfect, Truthful and Innocent Son, who lived to speak Your Truth in Love and died to pay for our sins. I pray for my sister to understand, to accept and to be forgiven by You, Our Loving, Merciful Creator.”

  ~~~

  Couriers from the bank recorded the arrival of ships at the Port of Illumination as they brought passengers and cargo through the gateways of the ring-shaped city. These couriers and various other agents of the central bank also eavesdropped on the chatter of the captains, crew and passengers. One of these agents, a twenty-eight (28) year old man named Paden who drank the Elanatin waters, learned of the destruction of the city on Yihartec Island. He hurried through the city, toward the interior edge of the ring.

  There, Paden met with another man who introduced himself, saying: “I am Caemgen, Chronicler of four hundred twenty-six (426) years. Under the authority of the Chronicler’s Oath, I will be traveling with you.”

  Caemgen did this because he was there to observe anything of interest related to the Port of Illumination, and this man’s obvious alarm suggested than an event of interest was underway.

  Paden didn’t say anything to acknowledge the Chronicler. Instead, he secured transport on a bank-owned ship leading toward Haza’Kedro’Maral Island in the center. Caemgen followed him, but was not required to pay. When the ship arrived at the island, Paden hurried into the Trading Center One building, followed by Caemgen.

  “Governor Lux, I have an urgent message for you,” Paden said as he approached the head table where Lux, Duchess Uliana and the Torches of Majesty were standing. They were overlooking the traders and bankers who were still busy negotiating market rates at various tables on the floor.

  “Yes, Paden?” Governor Lux asked.

  “Speak up and be quick about it. We don’t have time to waste,” Duchess Uliana said.

  “The city that was constructed on Yihartec Island has been destroyed,” Paden said.

  Governor Lux became fearful, wondering how and why and who. “How did you learn of this?” he asked.

  “I was watching the thoughts of the ship captains as they arrived at the gates of the Port of Illumination. They learned from the Redfire Sentinels. A few of them have heard it from Emeth, first. Everyone was killed and hundreds of ships near the city were destroyed when it exploded. Some people are blaming Fantine for a flaw in the constructor,” Paden said.

  “That city was the property of the central bank, and those were our customers. This adverse incident must be investigated at once. The Chronicler should go with you to learn of the cause and report it to Emeth. Everyone must be aware of the source of the danger,” Governor Lux said. He was more concerned with keeping the Chronicler away from prying into the financial matters of the central bank. Whatever the cause of the destruction of the crystal city on Yihartec Island, it wasn’t something he was trying to hide from anyone. In fact, it might be best if everyone knew. It would be even better if convincing proof could be found, blaming the loss and death on Fantine, so as to discredit her architectural skills. That would empower the bank to monopolize the construction business without competition from her.

  “It almost certainly is the fault of that architect. By her pride, she will soon fall. Send your experts to investigate the matter at once, Governor,” Duchess Uliana said.

  “Under the authority of the Chronicler’s Oath, I will be remaining here,” Caemgen said.

  “How old are you, Chronicler? You must be young, because you are foolish to choose to remain here when there is danger to be investigated. Is that not a greater calling, more worthy of your Oath?” Duchess Uliana asked.

  “I am Caemgen, Chronicler of four-hundred twenty-six (426) years. My directions are to remain in this vicinity,” Caemgen said.

  “I’d ask why, but I know you cannot tell me,” Duchess Uliana said. She was annoyed, but didn’t see any point in worrying about it, because worrying wouldn’t change things.

  Governor Lux opened a book and wrote an order in it, authorizing an investigative team, including Paden, to research the matter. He removed the page from the book and handed it to Paden, saying: “This authorizes you to assemble a team to look into this matter and secure a ship to take you. You will be leading them, and you are to leave at once. Consider this mission urgent and sensitive, relating to the security of the central bank.”

  ~~~

  Paden took the written authorization, left the Trading Center One building and began to gather up the necessary personnel in the central bank’s other office buildings. Among them were a thirty-one (31) year old woman named Zeta who drank the Kazofen waters; a thirty-seven (37) year old man named Efisio who drank of the Medathero waters; a thirty-nine (39) year old woman named Sabine who drank of the Zovvin waters; a forty (40) year old woman named Carmelita who drank of the Lujladia waters; a twenty-nine (29) year old man named Logres who drank of the Ikkith Tar waters; a six thousand two hundred fifty-eight (6258) year old man named Teruo who drank of the Ursegan waters; a thirty-six (36) year old man named Riothamus who drank of the Pirovalen waters; and a forty-eight (48) year old woman named Shinju who drank of the Atrejan waters.

  Paden then took control of a two hundred ten (210) foot long bank-owned frigate named Second Consideration which had four (4) sets of double-masted pivoting sails. He also secured a crew of one hundred fifty (150) deck hands and a garrison of two hundred fifty (250) Nabavodel water drinkers who were trained in sword fighting and close combat.

  Once on board, Paden gave his orders: “Shinju, plot a course for Yihartec Island in the Kazofen Ocean.”

  Shinju drank anew of
the waters of the Atrejan Ocean from her vial and was energized. She listened to the sounds of the stars and learned their positions and movements. From this information, she was able to chart a course and steer the Second Consideration on a westward course, leading away from Haza’Kedro’Maral Island. The ship passed through a channel in the crystal city ring that was the Port of Illumination, exiting by its westward gate. From there, she steered the ship along the charted course.

  ~~~

  Duchess Uliana took a book off the table and led the Torches of Majesty into her office. Once there, she closed and locked the door. Nehexalor was waiting there.

  She quickly scanned the room to be sure the Chronicler had not followed her in. She was relieved that he had not.

  “The destruction of the city on Yihartec Island represents a danger to us here. Either the construction method is flawed, or some sort of weapon was used. In either case, it is a threat to this city and even to this island. We cannot wait much longer, Nehexalor. It is time to prepare the consecration ritual for the Temple of the Sky’s Nine (9) Kings. Many children have already arrived in the Port of Illumination. I know because I have been examining the records carefully,” Duchess Uliana said.

  “Count only the children, Duchess. That is what the ritual requires: six thousand five hundred sixty-one (6561) children, not adults. Are they all in the city? Once the gates are closed, the consecration ritual must begin, before anyone learns of our intentions and moves to stop us,” Nehexalor said.

  Duchess Uliana looked in the book and counted the number of families, and how many children, according to the records that were made by the couriers. There were already seventeen thousand nine hundred three (17903) children in just the first few pages.

  “We have nearly thrice the number of children necessary, already here,” Duchess Uliana said.

  Nehexalor turned to the Torches of Majesty and asked: “When will the nine (9) blue suns be properly aligned as three (3) sacred triangles?”

  Blazer Endrit drank anew of the waters of the Atrejan Ocean from his vial. He was energized and listened to the sounds of the stars to learn their paths and positions. He focused only on the blue suns and concentrated for several minutes.