Empress Aurora Trilogy Quest For the Kingdom Parts I, II, and III Revised With Index (Quest For the Kingdom Set)

by L. M. Roth

  All of this had they been taught by Xenon. For all of them it was a concept that was hard to fathom. What man, questioned Dag, would turn his cheek to one who struck him? In Trekur Lende to do so would lead to doubt if one was a man! Cort agreed; no man ran from a fight in Trekur Lende, but rose up to meet it.

  Felix heartily concurred with the teachings of charity; his family had always been generous to the poor. Marcus, however, struggled with returning an insult with kindness. No one with any proper pride would abide such a thing. Certainly the son of Valerius Maximus would not!

  Fanchon alone offered no comment or protest. She saw nothing wrong in such teaching, she said. For in Gaudereaux the purpose of life was to enjoy oneself, and how could one enjoy life if one fought with others, no? Such a silly waste. Why not get along and be happy? Live, love, and laugh; that was her motto!

  Marcus reflected on this statement. It almost made sense, he thought. It was much more reasonable to get along than to fight. But surely, he reasoned to himself, there were times when fighting was the only course available? When no other response would do? After all, it was unthinkable for the son of the commander of the Imperial Army to run from a fight!

  They stood at the door of Xenon’s house. Before they could knock, the door opened to reveal his face smiling a warm welcome.

  “Come, come, my friends!” he beamed. “We have much to learn today. It is time to equip you for your journey.”

  One by one they entered, each bowing from the waist with hands folded before them in the manner he taught them; then each raised their left hand to their forehead, then to their lips. It was a gesture, Xenon explained, that meant: “Master, I bow in honor to you, make my hands an instrument for service, teach me the knowledge that gives true wisdom, that I may speak the words of life.”

  They seated themselves in a semi-circle on the floor around him as he sat in a chair. Xenon had other chairs available for their use, but he explained that this posture was important in their education. It denoted an attitude of submission to the teacher, without which growth was impossible.

  For without humility, the words of life could not be deeply planted in their hearts. It would, instead, be rejected as a seed loose in the soil is washed away by the first rain storm. One must till deep in the soil for the seed to take root, he said. Thus it was with human hearts and the teachings of Alexandros.

  Marcus alone seemed distracted as they took their places. Xenon noted his absent look and inquired regarding the reason.

  Marcus hesitated, fearing that what he wanted to say was impolite and might give offense. But he decided it was best to be honest.

  “To tell the truth, Xenon, it is the matter of some of the teachings of Alexandros. I have no quarrel to sharing what I possess with those who are less fortunate; nor with treating others as I would wish to be treated. But it is the matter of turning the other cheek that I object to; for in my land a man who did thus would be counted weak; and how can one bless those who curse them: of what good is that? Surely such an action would be wasted on one who hates you. Why, a man would be laughed at by his foes!”

  Xenon looked at Marcus long and intently, his head to one side as if considering his words. For several minutes he was silent. Then he spoke.

  “Marcus, have I taught you these past weeks yet you have not understood? It was never the intention of Dominio for men to fight one another, nor to go to war with one another. Such evil was born only after the Fall of Man, when men grew jealous and envious of one another, just as Leon did before them. It was the desire of Dominio’s heart for His creation to live in peace and harmony together, as one family.

  “When you return good for evil, when you turn the other cheek to those who strike you, when you bless those who curse you, you place yourself in subjection to the rule of Dominio. By obeying His laws and enforcing them in your response to your enemies, you are advancing His Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. You represent Dominio and His nature when you treat your enemies as you would those you love. For you bear His image and reveal His glory to those He created and longs to be reconciled with. And the instrument of His reconciliation is you.”

  Marcus returned Xenon’s steady gaze. But his heart was still not satisfied. For didn’t a man have his dignity to defend?

  “No, Xenon, I feel that will not suffice. For if a man does not raise a hand in his defense against evil, he may lose his life.”

  “And a man shall lose his life if he tries to save it!” Xenon exclaimed. “For if a man returns evil for evil, he is no longer a glory bearer in the image of Dominio. He has, instead, chosen to cast his lot with Leon, just as the Astra did. And as Tychon and Chloe before you. He obeys the laws of the kingdom of darkness, and does not represent the Kingdom of Heaven.”

  Marcus objected.

  “That is a hard saying, Xenon,” he huffed and tightened his lips.

  “Yes, it is a hard saying. But there it is.”

  Silence prevailed in the room. Marcus sighed deeply, then glanced at Felix, who shrugged his shoulders. Of what use was all of the practice with the sword, if they were never to use one? they asked one another without uttering a word.

  Xenon chuckled, then shook his head.

  “Not to worry, young Marcus Maximus. You will have your fight. Only it shall not be with flesh and blood. For that is not your real enemy. The battle you seek will be waged upon you. For there is an enemy who is determined to stop you, who will never rest until he steals your heart, kills your life, and destroys your destiny.”

  Marcus lifted his head and glanced inquiringly at Xenon. Then comprehension dawned on his face.

  “Leon,” he stated.

  “And the Astra who followed him in the Great Rebellion,” confirmed Xenon. “For they roam the Earth seeking whom they may devour. You do not have to look hard for them, or search them out.

  “For they are everywhere: they lurk in the hills, roam among the trees, and wage war upon the Alexandrians out of the willing hearts of men whose hearts are darkened in their understanding. They cannot see the light, for their minds have been blinded by Leon. They see not, they hear not, and they cannot believe for they cannot comprehend.”

  “Then how can they know and be saved?” Felix burst out.

  “There is a way,” Xenon answered him. “It is of that which I wish to speak.”

  Xenon paused and closed his eyes. For a moment he sat completely still with head bowed, as if in prayer. Then he lifted his head and looked in turn at each of the young, expectant faces around him.

  “Until now, I have shared with you only of the love that Dominio bears His creation, and His longing for reconciliation. Yet there is more to the life of an Alexandrian than that. For the goal of your instruction is to advance His Kingdom, taking back those who have been stolen away by the enemy.

  “And yet, I tell you the truth, there is no foe more perilous than the enemy within. You will never defeat the kingdom of darkness unless you conquer the chambers of your own heart.

  “For we all have sinned and gone our own way, and that, in time, bears a bitter fruit. Salvation is the cleansing of your sin, but sanctification is the yielding of your heart, the surrender of its own desires.

  “You must take back the places where you have allied yourself with the god of this world before you can advance the Kingdom of Heaven, and occupy new territory for Alexandros.”

  Xenon paused and searched the eyes of all. As if satisfied of their true comprehension, he continued.

  “Only after every chamber of your heart belongs completely to Dominio and He rules in you, can you meet Leon in combat without fear of destruction.

  “Arm yourself: for your enemy will stalk you as the lion haunts the steps of the gazelle, untiring in his pursuit. He is as vicious in his ferocity as a lion pouncing upon his prey. And he is as tenacious in his hold on your heart and his territory as a lion who takes the young in a death grip, not letting go until it struggles no more.”

  The room was utterly still. Even
Fanchon, Marcus noted, was silent. But after all, what did one say after such a statement as this?

  “And yet,” continued Xenon, “you are not defenseless in your struggle to overcome the evil one. For there is armor available to you, to protect yourself from the strategies of the evil one, and weapons you can wield to wage war upon him.

  “To stand against your enemy you must arm yourselves with these truths, which will protect you from all harm. You must, first of all, be true: true to the One who loves you above all else, and you must be who you say you are. For it is the tree that is rotten within its core that the bolts of lightning brings down, but the tree that is solid and good will stand the strike of any thunderstorm.

  “Your heart must be right at all times: no idolatry to false gods, no unforgiveness toward others. Let your heart be as a throne for Dominio, placing Him above all, and you will do well.

  “Let your feet run lightly and swiftly for the joy you bring to the lost. Do not grow weary, but entrust yourself to Alexandros, who ran the race before you, and has now passed the torch on to you.

  “Put your faith in Dominio at all times, even when you face danger for speaking in His name. For He cares for you as tenderly as a Shepherd tends the flocks. Follow Him where He leads, trust Him to provide for your needs, and yield your life to His keeping.

  “For by so doing you will be protected from the wolves, those who say they belong to Alexandros, yet they are not of His Spirit. Ever they seek to enslave others, bringing them into bondage by using the very words of Alexandros Himself against one another. You will know them by their actions as they seek power above all else.

  “Remember always the pledge of Alexandros, the promise of eternal life, and meditate upon His words, and submit to His teachings. For this will guard your mind from access by the evil one as he attempts to deceive and distract you from your purpose. He will loose condemnation against you like a rain of arrows in a fierce battle, as he seeks to trap you in guilt for deeds done in the past. You are clean now: remember that!

  “And there is one weapon that is most important of all. For it is more powerful than any instrument of destruction you will ever encounter in battle.”

  Xenon rose from his chair and crossed the room to an old wooden chest that stood against the wall. It was not a large chest, nor an ornate one, but it was sturdy. Out of its depth he drew a package wrapped in linen. He unwound the folds of linen and a leather scabbard was revealed. Xenon brought the scabbard back to the little group. He touched it reverently.

  “My children,” he began, “I am coming to the end of my time upon this Earth. I know this, for the Spirit of Dominio has revealed it to me. Before I depart, I wish to leave this in the keeping of one whom I feel is called to wield it after me. It is the dearest treasure I possess. I leave it to you, Marcus Maximus.”

  Saying this, he extended the scabbard to Marcus. Marcus withdrew from it the hilt of a sword. He marveled at the gleam of its silver blade, the keen edge of its point. It was adorned with no jewels, nor etched with fine engravings, yet it was the loveliest thing he had ever seen. And he delighted in the gift of his own sword.

  “This,” Xenon declared, “is Logos. It has been purified in the flames of the hottest fire seven times. Its strength is unmatched, for it cannot be broken. Its blade is so sharp it can cleave a man in two; its hilt is so heavy one blow can knock a man senseless. You may not, however, use it in violence.”

  As Marcus opened his mouth to protest, Xenon lifted his hand to silence it.

  “Logos,” he explained, “is far more valuable than it looks. See, there are no engravings on its blade, yet when you have need, your instructions for the resolution will appear on the blade as if etched by an engraver. There are no jewels on the hilt, yet the words that appear to guide you shall be of more value than great treasure. I know, for Logos has been my guide for many years. Its words shall both comfort and confront, direct and destroy.

  “For it shall not only reveal what you are to do but will also expose who you are. For make no mistake: it is a two-edged sword. As it imparts a word, it will also judge you by that word; for how you receive that word and whether you obey it will determine your destiny, as the thoughts and intentions of your heart are laid bare.

  “One final charge do I lay on you: when the dagger of darkness stabs your heart, parry the thrust of your enemy with the word of Logos. For Leon was created by the spoken word of Dominio, and he must still submit to it, though he rebelled against it. When he lunges for the kill, raise the Sword of Logos against him. It is your mightiest weapon of defense.”

  Marcus looked long at the sword in his hands. All of his life he had longed for a sword of his own. Now he had received one, yet he was told not to use it? How could this be? He could not help but wonder what his father, Valerius Maximus, the head of the Imperial Army of Valerium, would say to that!

  Chapter XXXV

  River of Life

  The time had come for the journey home. Xenon had taught them all that he knew, and had given Marcus the gift of the fabulous sword, Logos. Now they must return to their homelands and spread to their fellow countrymen the good news of the reconciliation of mankind to Dominio, of the resurrection of Alexandros, and the Kingdom of Heaven established on Earth.

  The night before they left, they called on Xenon for a final meal. He would miss them, his children, he said, for they had become dearer to him than any blood children could ever be, for they shared the bond of the blood of Alexandros between them, and what could be closer than that?

  Then the old man seemed troubled in his spirit and his mind seemed to wander. They waited patiently for him to return to them. Felix inquired if anything was the matter? Xenon seemed to bring his gaze back upon them as if from a long distance. He hesitated, but only for a moment.

  “I had a dream last night, one I feel came to warn me. In the dream, there were merchants, merchants from Koohyaram. They were setting a watch on the Eastern Road, under orders from the Ashkani. He covets the Pearl and is lying in wait for you. He would use the merchants to deceive you, to capture you, seize the Pearl, and kill you.”

  The little band listened in horror.

  “You must not take the Eastern Road,” Xenon warned.

  “How then shall we return to our homelands?” Marcus asked the old man. “The only other route is over the Great Sea to the West and that is fraught with peril.”

  “There is another way,” Xenon assured him. “Meet me at the pier to the mainland tomorrow at noon. I will show you how you must return.”

  The clouds billowed up, piled one on top of the other in a column of fluffy whiteness. Here and there the rays of the sun shot through, illuminating the entire mass with an unearthly light, as though some other world had briefly invaded their own.

  Farewell to Solone, land of knowledge, where learning was prized above all else. Farewell to Xenon, sage and prophet, whose teaching and training would guide them through their journey.

  Kyrene, however, was to continue to travel with them. For Xenon saw that they would need much counsel on the road ahead, and Kyrene would be of great assistance. It was not usual for a single lady to accompany men on an expedition.

  However, the presence of Fanchon as Dag’s intended satisfied the conventions and made Kyrene’s acceptable.

  Marcus noted with surprise that Felix brightened at the news that Kyrene would escort them. What, he wondered, of Tullia and the feelings that Felix entertained for her? Was his friend so fickle in his affections, or did Marcus perhaps only fancy a growing attachment on the part of Felix toward the young woman?

  Xenon had met them at the pier, where a boat waited for them. He was leading them for a short distance to the place where they would embark. It was not far, he said.

  They set off from the opposite shore of the island across the sea to the mainland. Marcus felt an unexpected pang in his heart as they sailed. He had been so happy here, if only for a brief sojourn. Would he ever see Solone again, he wondere
d. And what of Xenon? Would their paths ever cross again before it was time for the old man to take his last journey?

  The boat pulled into the little harbor on the shore of the mainland. To the surprise of everyone but Kyrene, the Captain detached a smaller boat which Xenon instructed the young men to hoist on their shoulders and carry to the point of embarkation. It was a curious boat, having no sails, nor oarlocks.

  It was about twenty-five feet long, and its mid-section contained seats carved into the wooden interior. At the stern was a small cabin that rose to a height of about ten feet, and about ten feet wide. Within the cabin, as they would soon discover, was a compartment where the young men would sleep: there was another directly below deck for the young ladies, and a tiny galley kitchen below deck at its fore. But for now Dag, Marcus, and Felix hoisted the little craft onto their shoulders and proceeded to carry it, following Xenon’s lead.

  They followed the course of a small stream that emerged from the mouth of the sea. They followed it inland to a distance of perhaps a mile, when Xenon instructed them to put the boat down.

  They had followed the stream into a wood. Here cliffs of brown earth rose high on either side, crowned with tall trees that gave shade from the burning rays of the sun of high noon. Smaller trees dotted the cliffs here and there, saplings at best, their foliage a mere spray of lacy green like ferns. Those also grew in abundance in the sheltered valley, draping over the cliffs in a curtain of green.

  Here the stream had broadened to a river that tumbled over the rocks in the midst of its path with a roar that was almost deafening.

  “This is Zoe, the River of Life,” Xenon intoned solemnly.

  “She will take you on course to your homelands.”

  Felix puckered his forehead.

  “She will take…” he broke off.

  “Yes, you heard correctly,” Xenon smiled at the young man’s bewilderment. “For you do not take Zoe: the River of Life takes you, where it wills, if it wills.”