Lord of Light

by Roger Zelazny

  One rajah and two high priests died of poisoning, quite colorfully, and pyres were built to accommodate their bluish remains. Lord Krishna raised up his Aspect and played a music after which there is no music, and Guari the Fair relented and came to him once more, her heart softened, after he had finished. Sarasvati in her glory did the Dance of Delight, and then Lord Mara re-created the flight of Helba and the Buddha through the City. This last dreaming troubled many, however, and more names were recorded at that time. A demon then dared enter into their midst, with the body of a youth and the head of a tiger, attacking Lord Agni with a terrible fury. He was repelled by the combined powers of Ratri and of Vishnu, but he succeeded in escaping into incorporeality before Agni could bring his wand to bear upon him.

  In the days that followed, there were changes within Heaven.

  Tak of the Archives and the Bright Spear was judged by the Lords of Karma and was transmigrated into the body of an ape; and there was a warning set within his mind that wherever he presented himself for renewal he was to be given again into the body of an ape, to wander the world in this form until such a time as Heaven saw fit to extend its mercy and lift this doom from him. He was then sent forth into the jungles of the south, and there released to work off his karmic burden.

  Lord Varuna the Just gathered his servants about him and departed the Celestial City, to make his home elsewhere in the world. Some of his detractors likened his departure to that of Nirriti the Black, god of darkness and corruption, who had left Heaven filled with ill will and the miasma of many a dark curse. The detractors of Varuna were not so numerous, however, for it was common knowledge that he deserved the title Just, and his condemnation could easily be construed to reflect upon the worth of its speaker, so few spoke of him beyond the days immediately following his going.

  Much later, others among the gods were exiled into the world, in the days of the Heavenly Purges. Their going, however, had its beginnings in these times, when Accelerationism entered again into Heaven.

  Brahma, mightiest of the four orders of gods and the eighteen hosts of paradise. Creator of all. Lord of High Heaven and everything beneath it, from whose navel springs forth a lotus and whose hands churn the oceans—he, who in three strides encompasses all the worlds, the drum of whose glory strikes terror into the hearts of his enemies, upon whose right hand is the wheel of the law, who tethers catastrophes, using a snake for rope — Brahma was to feel more and more uncomfortable and distraught in the days that came to pass as a result of the promise rashly given to the Mistress of Death. But then, it is quite likely that he would have proceeded in the same manner without her persuasions. The major effect of her actions, then, was probably that it gave him, for a brief time, someone to blame his later troubles upon. He was also known as Brahma the Infallible.

  The dome of Heaven was repaired in several places at the end of the time of the revels.

  The Museum of Heaven was thereafter provided with an armed guard who remained upon the premises at all times.

  Several demon-hunting parties were planned, but never got beyond the planning stage.

  A new Archivist was appointed, one who had no knowledge whatsoever concerning his parentage.

  The phantom cats of Kaniburrha were granted symbolic representation in Temples throughout the land.

  On the last night of the revels, a lone god entered the Pavilion of Silence at Worldsend and dwelled for a long while in the room called Memory. Then he laughed long and returned to the Celestial City; and his laughter was a thing of youth and beauty and strength and purity, and the winds that circle through Heaven caught it up and bore it far across the land, where all who heard it marveled at the strange and vibrant note of triumph that it contained.

  These things considered, it was thorough as well as impressive, the time of Love and Death, of Hate and Life, and of Folly.

  VI

  When the sun of suffering has set,

  there comes this peace,

  Lord of the quiet stars,

  this peace of creation,

  this place the mandala spins gray.

  The fool saith in his mind

  that his thoughts are only thoughts ...

  Saraha (98-99)

  During the time that followed the death of Brahma, there came upon the Celestial City a period of turmoil. Several among the gods were even expelled from Heaven. It was a time when just about everyone feared being considered an Accelerationist; and, as fate would have it, at some point or other during this period, just about everyone was considered an Accelerationist. Though Great-Souled Sam was dead, his spirit was said to live on, mocking. Then, in the days of disaffection and intrigue that led up to the Great Battle, it was rumored that more than his spirit might have lived on...

  It was early morning. Near the pool of the purple lotus, in the Garden of Joys, at the foot of the statue of the blue goddess with the veena, Brahma was located.

  The girl who found him first thought him to be resting, for his eyes were still open. After a moment, though, she realized that he was not breathing; and his face, so contorted, underwent no changes of expression.

  She trembled as she awaited the ending of the universe. God being dead, she understood that this normally followed. But after a time, she decided that the internal cohesiveness of things might serve to hold the universe together for another hour or so; and such being the case, she thought it advisable to bring the matter of the imminent Yuga to the attention of someone better suited to cope with it.

  She told Brahma's First Concubine, who went to see for herself, agreed that her Lord was indeed dead, addressed the statue of the blue goddess, who immediately began playing upon the veena, and then sent messages to Vishnu and Shiva to come at once to the Pavilion.

  They did, bringing Lord Ganesha with them.

  These viewed the remains, agreed as to their condition and confined both women to their quarters against execution.

  Then they conferred.

  "We need another creator in a hurry," said Vishnu. "The floor is open for nominations."

  "I nominate Ganesha," said Shiva.

  "I decline," said Ganesha.

  "Why?"

  "I do not like being on the scene. I would much rather remain off somewhere behind it."

  "Then let us consider some alternative choices, quickly."

  "Might it not be wise," asked Vishnu, "to ascertain the cause of this occurrence before proceeding?"

  "No," said Ganesha. "The first order of business must be the selection of his successor. Even the postmortem must wait on that. Heaven must never be without a Brahma."

  "What say you to one of the Lokapalas?"

  "Perhaps."

  "Yama?"

  "No. He is too serious, too conscientious—a technician, not an administrator. Also, I think he's emotionally unstable."

  "Kubera?"

  "Too smart. I'm afraid of Kubera."

  "Indra?"

  "Too headstrong."

  "Agni, then?"

  "Maybe. Maybe not."

  "Perhaps Krishna?"

  "Too frivolous, never sober."

  "Who would you suggest?"

  "What is our greatest problem at the present time?"

  "I do not feel that we have any great problems at the present time," said Vishnu.

  "Then it might be wise to have one just about now," said Ganesha. "I feel that our greatest problem is Accelerationism. Sam came back, stirring, making clear waters muddy."

  "Yes," said Shiva.

  "Accelerationism? Why kick a dead dog?"

  "Ah, but it is not dead. Not down among men. And it will also serve to direct attention away from the succession within Trimurti and regain at least surface solidarity here in the City. Unless, of course, you'd rather undertake a campaign against Nirriti and his zombies?"

  "No thanks."

  "Not now."

  "Mmm . . . yes, then Accelerationism is our greatest problem at the present time."

  "All right. Accelerationism
is our greatest problem."

  "Who hates it more than anyone else?"

  "Yourself?"

  "Nonsense. Except me."

  "Tell us, Ganesha."

  "Kali."

  "I doubt this."

  "I do not. The twin beasts, Buddhism and Accelerationism, draw a single chariot. The Buddha scorned her. She is a woman. She will carry on the campaign."

  "It will mean renouncing her womanhood."

  "Speak to me not of trifles."

  "All right—Kali."

  "But what of Yama?"

  "What of him? Leave Yama to me."

  "I'd rather."

  "I also."

  "Very well. Go you then forth across the world, within the thunder chariot and upon the back of the great bird Garuda. Find Yama and Kali. Return them to Heaven. I will wait upon your return and consider the matter of Brahma's passing."

  "So be it."

  "Agreed."

  "Good morning."

  "Good merchant Vama, wait! I would have words with thee."

  "Yea, Kabada. What wouldst thou?"

  "It is difficult to find the words I would have with thee. But they do concern a certain state of affairs which hath aroused considerable sentiment on the parts of thy various adjacent neighbors."

  "Oh? Speak on then."

  "Concerning the atmosphere . . ."

  "The atmosphere?"

  "The winds and breezes, perhaps . . ."

  "Winds? Breezes?"

  "And the things they bear."

  "Things? Such as. . . ?"

  "Odors, good Vama."

  "Odors? What odors?"

  "Odors of—well, odors of—of fecal matter."

  "Of . . . ? Oh! Yes. True. True enough. There may be a few such. I had forgotten, having grown used to them."

  "Might I inquire as to their cause?"

  "They are caused by the product of defecation, Kabada."

  "Of this I am aware. I meant to make inquiry as to why they are present, rather than their source and nature."

  "They are present because of the buckets in my back room, which are filled with such —items."

  "Oh?"

  "Yes. I have been saving the products of my family in this manner. I have been doing this for the past eight days."

  "Against what use, worthy Vama?"

  "Hast thou not heard of a thing, a wondrous thing, a thing into which these items are discharged—into water—and then a lever pulled, and then, with a mighty rushing sound, these things are borne away, far beneath the ground?"

  "I have heard some talk of such .. ."

  "Oh, 'tis true, 'tis true. There is such a thing. It has but recently been invented by one whom I should not name, and it involves great pipes and a seat without a bottom, or a top, really. It is the most wonderful discovery of the age—and I will have me one within a matter of moons!"

  "Thou? Such a thing?"

  "Yea. It shall be installed in the small room I have built onto the back of my home. I may even give a dinner that night and permit all my neighbors to take use of it."

  "This is indeed wondrous—and thou generous."

  "I feel so."

  "But—of the—smells. . . ?"

  "They are caused by the buckets of items, which I am preserving against the installation of this thing."

  "Why?"

  "I should rather have it on my karmic record that this thing was used for these items beginning with eight days ago, rather than several moons from now. It will show my rapid advancement in life."

  "Ah! I see now the wisdom of thy ways, Vama. I did not wish it to appear that we stood in the way of any man who seeks to better himself. Forgive me if I gave this impression."

  "Thou art forgiven."

  "Thy neighbors do love thee, smells and all. When thou art advanced to a higher state, please remember this."

  "Of course."

  "Such progress must be expensive."

  "Quite."

  "Worthy Vama, we shall take delight in the atmosphere, with all its pungent portents."

  "This is only my second lifetime, good Kabada, but already I feel that destiny touches upon me."

  "And I, also. The winds of Time do shift, and they bear to mankind many wondrous things. The gods keep thee."

  "Thou also. But forget not the blessing of the Enlightened One, whom my second cousin Vasu sheltered in his purple grove."

  "How could I? Mahasamatman was a god also. Some say Vishnu."

  "They lie. He was the Buddha."

  "Add then his blessings."

  "Very good. Good day, Kabada."

  "Good day, worthy one."

  Yama and Kali entered into Heaven. They descended upon the Celestial City on the back of the bird called Garuda. In the company of Vishnu, they entered into the City. They did not pause for any purpose, but went directly to the Pavilion of Brahma. In the Garden of Joys they met with Shiva and with Ganesha.

  "Hear me, Death and Destruction," said Ganesha, "Brahma is dead and only we five now know of it."

  "How did this thing come to pass?" asked Yama.

  "It appears that he was poisoned."

  "Has there been an autopsy?"

  "No."

  "Then I shall perform one."

  "Good. But now there is another matter, of even graver consideration."

  "Name it."

  "His successor."

  "Yes. Heaven cannot be without a Brahma."

  "Exactly. . . . Kali, tell me, would you consider being Brahma, of the golden saddle and silver spurs?"

  "I don't know . . ."

  "Then begin thinking about it, and quickly. You are considered the best choice."

  "What of Lord Agni?"

  "Not so high on the list. It does not appear he is so anti-Accelerationist as Madam Kali."

  "I see."

  "And I."

  "Therefore, he is a good god, but not a great one."

  "Yes. Who might have killed Brahma?"

  "I have no idea. Have you?"

  "Not yet."

  "But you will find him, Lord Yama?"

  "Aye, with my Aspect upon me."

  "You two may wish to confer."

  "We do."

  "Then will we leave you now. An hour hence we shall dine together in the Pavilion."

  "Yes."

  "Yes."

  "Till then. . ."

  "Till then."

  "Till then."

  "Lady?"

  "Yes?"

  "With a changing of bodies one is automatically divorced, unless a continuation contract be signed."

  "Yes."

  "Brahma must needs be a man."

  "Yes."

  "Refuse it."

  "My Lord . . ."

  "You hesitate?"

  "It is all so sudden, Yama . . ."

  "You pause even to consider it?"

  "I must."

  "Kali, you distress me."

  "Such was not my intention."

  "And I bid you refuse the offer."

  "I am a goddess in my own right, as well as your wife, Lord Yama."

  "What does that mean?"

  "I make my own decisions."

  "If you accept. Kali, then all things are come to an end between us."

  "That is apparent."

  "What, in the names of the Rishis, is Accelerationism but a storm over an ant hill? Why are they suddenly so against it?"

  "It must be that they feel a need to be against something."

  "Why choose you to head it?"

  "I do not know."

  "Unless there is some special reason for you to be anti-Accelerationist, my dear?"

  "I do not know."

  "I am but young, as gods go, but I have heard it said that in the early days of the world the hero with whom you rode—Kalkin — was the same as the one called Sam. If you had reason to hate your ancient Lord, and Sam was truly he, then could I see their enlisting you against this thing he had started. Might this be true?"

  "It might."

>   "Then if you love me—and you are truly my lady—then let another be Brahma."

  "Yama . . ."

  "They will want a decision within the hour."

  "And I will have one for them."

  "What will it be?"

  "I am sorry, Yama . . ."

  Yama departed the Garden of Joys before dinnertime. Though it seemed an unhealthy breach of etiquette, Yama, among all the gods, was deemed hardest to discipline and was aware of this fact, as well as the reasons that lay behind it. So he left the Garden of Joys and journeyed to the place where Heaven stops.

  He dwelled that day and that night at Worldsend, nor was he disturbed by any callers. He spent time in each of the five rooms in the Pavilion of Silence. His thoughts being his own, you leave them alone, too. In the morning, he returned to the Celestial City.

  There, he learned of the death of Shiva.

  His trident had burnt another hole in the dome, but his head had been smashed in by means of a blunt instrument, as yet unlocated.

  Yama went to his friend Kubera. "Ganesha, Vishnu and the new Brahma have already approached Agni, to fill the place of the Destroyer," said Kubera. "I believe he will accept."

  "Excellent, for Agni," said Yama. "Who killed God?"

  "I have thought much upon it," said Kubera, "and I believe that in the case of Brahma it must have been someone with whom he was sufficiently familiar to have taken refreshment, and in the case of Shiva, someone well enough known to have surprised him. More than this deponent knoweth not."

  "The same person?"

  "I'd bet money."

  "Could it be part of an Accelerationist plot?"

  "I find this difficult to believe. Those who are sympathetic to Accelerationism have no real organization. Accelerationism is returned too recently to Heaven for it to amount to more than that. A cabal, perhaps. Most likely a single individual did it, independent of backers."

  "What other reasons might be present?"

  "A vendetta. Or some minor deity out to become a major one. Why does anybody kill anybody?"