The Esoteric Design: Civilization Lost

by A. R. Crebs

  There was a mixed response from the students. Some appeared to have understood his meaning, while others seemed even more fearful. The rest of the semester was going to be trying, but Dovian owed it to each and every single one of his students to do his best to prepare them for the outside world.

  “Class is dismissed.” Dovian clasped his hands at his waist.

  He somberly observed his students pack up their things and leave the room. The air was thick just as it was outside, and Dovian finally understood the ominous feeling he had. Did Sir Gaius know this was going to happen all along? He would have to ask at a later date.

  “Lita, are you alright?” I’Lanthe asked, helping Lita from her chair.

  Lita nodded slowly. “I…I’ll be okay.”

  Dovian gave a harsh sigh. He still needed to meet with I’Lanthe. Luckily, the two girls were the last to leave the room. Dovian held out a hand.

  “Lita,” he started.

  Her pitiful expression hurt his heart as she seemed deeply troubled.

  “I request that you return to your home for now. I would like to speak with you later,” he said.

  Lita’s brow wrinkled. She wanted to protest but didn’t feel like arguing at the moment.

  “Go visit your mother. I’ll be there tonight for dinner, and then you and I can have the rest of the evening together,” Dovian advised.

  Lita nodded.

  “I’Lanthe,” he added. “May I have a word with you?”

  Both girls peered at each other and then the man. For some reason, he appeared more menacing.

  “I’ll speak with you later,” I’Lanthe whispered to Lita.

  Lita eyed the two. Whereas she’d usually appear curious and playful, Lita suddenly looked worried. She gave a quick nod in agreement and rushed out the door, leaving I’Lanthe and Dovian alone.

  The silence was uncomfortable. Dovian leaned against his desk, folding his arms. I’Lanthe slowly approached him, her eyes on the floor as she nervously fussed with the bag slung over her shoulder. It suddenly seemed to weigh a lot more than she was used to, making her seem frail.

  “Is there something wrong, sir?” I’Lanthe asked, her usual commanding demeanor missing.

  Dovian eyed her. She appeared so small, young, scared. Was he causing her to feel this way, or was it the news she had just received?

  “Perhaps we should have our discussion at a later date,” Dovian mumbled.

  The woman’s violet eyes fled to his. “No. We can speak now, sir.”

  “Sir…I thought I told you…” he halted.

  “Dovian,” she said. The way she said his name and looked at him with her lowered chin made him shiver slightly.

  Dovian remained tense, reminding himself as to why he needed to have this meeting with her in the first place. He cleared his throat, suddenly feeling a bit more at ease.

  “I’Lanthe,” he started.

  “And I thought I told you….” She lifted her chin, suddenly feeling a bit more in charge. Dovian’s assurance over her dwindled.

  “Lanthe,” he corrected. She gave a tight-lipped smile. “Have you by chance taken any classes pertaining to the Azure status?”

  The woman was taken aback by his question. “Uh, no. No, I have not. I mean, I will most likely take some courses along the lines of Azure status, but that won’t be until I’ve fully completed my Emerald courses.”

  “You’ve taken none whatsoever?” he asked, a hint of doubt saturating his words.

  I’Lanthe gave him a confused expression. “None. Why? Are you suggesting that’s the route I take to keep myself safe? So that I don’t end up like…Sir Bayerd?”

  Dovian quickly shook his head.

  “That can’t be it,” she stated. Dovian remained silent. He was curious as to how she’d deduce his reasoning. “If you were going to ask me if I had taken any Azure courses, it wouldn’t be because of the conversation you just had with your friend, Euclid, who is a remarkable warrior by the way.” She clasped her hands in a calm form of confidence. “You’d simply ask me before the class if that were the case.”

  Dovian hadn’t realized it, but he was slowly curling in on himself as he lost control of the situation, feeling powerless.

  “You were going to ask me this question before Euclid ever arrived and told us the news, correct?” she asked.

  “That is correct,” he replied, suddenly feeling foolish.

  I’Lanthe sighed. “Hmm, now why would you ask me this question? I’m certainly intrigued.”

  The way she looked at him, the way she spoke to him as if he were a child, the way she smirked at his discomfort and seemed to have a hold of all his emotions made him nervous. He almost felt threatened by her. Was she malicious, or was she merely curious? He couldn’t tell.

  Dovian suddenly straightened. As he moved closer, she backed away. So she was somewhat intimidated by him, but why?

  “You’re intrigued?” he asked.

  She merely nodded.

  “Your speech,” he said.

  He took another step forward, and she backed away further still. It wasn’t long before he had her backed against a desk. She didn’t respond but continued to look at him as he predatorily moved toward her.

  “I believe you used more than words to convey your message,” he said.

  I’Lanthe rested against the desk, her hands planting atop the surface. She peered up at the man, her eyes wide and her breaths quickening. Was she frightened? He couldn’t help but feel satisfied.

  ‘Guilty as charged,’ he thought.

  “I…used…emotion?” she said with a hint of confusion.

  Dovian smirked. “I think you used more than emotion as well.”

  Her eyes searched his face. After a few moments, the realization hit her. I’Lanthe was a smart girl. Dovian expected her to figure it out before he said anything.

  “You think I cheated,” she gasped.

  “I know you cheated,” he murmured.

  The young woman bit her lower lip, looking to the side. She gave a quiet giggle.

  “I’m correct, aren’t I?” he asked.

  Dovian’s heart beat faster. He caught her in a lie. He knew it. She used manipulation in her speech to lure him into a state of unusual behaviors and emotions. She further worked her spell later that night when she visited him and Orin with Lita.

  I’Lanthe laughed louder, holding her hand against her collarbone. Dovian’s face fell.

  “Admit it now, and I won’t fail you,” he said, not amused.

  Her laughter immediately halted. “Wait. You…you’re planning on failing me?!”

  “That’s correct,” he said.

  She huffed, suddenly looking perturbed. “Whatever for?!”

  “For cheating,” he growled. “I know you’ve used manipulation in your speech. You did something to make me…” he paused.

  I’Lanthe’s fists balled. She quickly folded her arms, giving him an even glare. “To make you what?”

  Dovian became frustrated. What was with her? He thought he had control over the situation, yet she was once again holding up an even fight with nothing more than her tone of voice and eyes. He never felt so weak before in his life. He slammed his hands against the desk on either side of her, unaware that he was pinning her in place, unaware of their precarious position. Once again, she seemed worried.

  “Your speech was about love! Ever since, I’ve heard nothing but your voice in my mind! Your words echo in my brain like a song I can’t get rid of. The thought of your eyes invades my dreams. You showed up to my bedroom that night with Lita, and I can’t help but feel that you had alternative motives. If you’re that desperate to pass my class, don’t fret. You’ve done plenty to pass, but know that I will not tolerate the use of alternate statuses in this classroom. Only Emerald techniques are to be used in this room. No Azure, no Scarlet, only Emerald and nothing else. Do you understand what I’m saying?” he asked with a slight growl.

  I’Lanthe gnawed her lip, leaning back. He
r eyes glowed, and Dovian wasn’t sure why. Was she scared? Or was she enjoying this?

  She started laughing. It wasn’t a quiet giggle or a nervous laugh but a full high-pitched cackle. Dovian’s anger quickly diminished, and he was suddenly baffled.

  “Oh! Dovian!” she snickered. She quickly wiped at a tear in her eye. “You poor man!”

  His face fell. Did she pity him? Why? He glared at her with blazing irises, and she quickly covered her lips, giggling quietly.

  “I’m so sorry. I did not mean to mislead you,” she softly spoke.

  “So, you admit that you’ve cheated?” he asked, suddenly feeling anxious to end the conversation.

  I’Lanthe cackled again. “No! My goodness! I’d never cheat! Where would I be if I cheated? You don’t learn a thing that way!”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, Dovian.” She suddenly placed her hand atop his.

  The man froze in sudden fear. Was he wrong? He never once took into account that he was wrong about his accusation.

  “At first I was afraid. I feared you were going to lecture me about being in your room this past Friday night and that perhaps I had overstepped my bounds. But now I see it isn’t about that. You think I cheated when I swear to you I have not.” She suddenly looked down, noticing how close he was to her. “I…I honestly…and truly used only my words during my speech.” She waved a hand. “Outside of the quote I used from Tadhg Rioradahn.”

  “You mean to tell me that you’ve not used any tactics outside of Emerald status in your speech?” Dovian slowly spoke.

  She nodded. “I used only words…sir.”

  Dovian gaped at her. She stared back.

  She used only words. No powers. No espionage and manipulation tactics like Euclid. She did nothing more than recite a speech that she had written. Her words were no more special than the words Lita used to describe the pain she felt when she lost her last batch of lizards. Dovian suddenly felt like such a fool. It was at that moment as he stared into I’Lanthe’s beautiful violet eyes, caught her shy smile, noticed the way her thin fingers lightly touched the back of his hands, and how her clothing draped over her body that he realized she interested him. He was smitten, and this was his own doing, not hers.

  “Dear…God…” Dovian gasped, moving his hands away.

  “I’m sorry, sir. I suppose my speech struck a chord with you. I hope I didn’t cause you too much distress. I was merely doing my best to persuade you. I promise I’ve not taken a single course outside of Emerald and the other prerequisite classes. No manipulation or devious methods used.”

  Dovian didn’t know what to say. He was a complete idiot. He never thought that he could be influenced by her naturally.

  “My dear…I apologize. I am not in the right mind. Perhaps I need rest,” he stated breathlessly.

  But what about moments before? He thought she was frightened of him. As he lowered his head in exasperation, he caught her wide-eyed stare and breathless face. No, she wasn’t scared. She was excited. I’Lanthe had been anxious because he was so close to her. She wasn’t teasing or manipulating him for good grades; she was doing so because she was infatuated with him.

  Dovian groaned, stepping away.

  “I’m a fool,” he grumbled.

  I’Lanthe suddenly grabbed his wrist. “Dovian…” she whispered.

  His electric gaze moved over her face, her eyes, and pink lips. A brown curl rested just above her chest, and he noticed that she was wearing a low-cut dress beneath her robes. He suddenly didn’t feel well. I’Lanthe was his student. She was openly flirting with him. He couldn’t allow it. He noticed her fingers wrapped around his forearm.

  “Listen, Lanthe. You’re my student. I’m your instructor. I’m not sure what you want from me, but this has to stop.”

  Her eyes immediately narrowed, but not in anger. Was she embarrassed? He didn’t want that.

  “I…I’m sorry.” She immediately released him. “I thought…maybe….” She didn’t say anything more as she shoved past him.

  “Lanthe!” he called out.

  She paused in the doorway, refusing to look at him. “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I have no idea what I was thinking. I didn’t mean to place you in a situation such as this. It was only a speech. Merely words. If I hit a nerve with you, I apologize. And for this,” she gestured toward him without looking back, “I hope I didn’t upset you.”

  Dovian lowered his head. What just happened? He thought he knew what was going on, but he was completely wrong. He was oblivious to this girl and her feelings. He thought she was up to no good when it was quite the opposite. To make it worse, he embarrassed her, which made him feel awful. Now he realized he was completely dense, especially with the dealings of females. No matter what he felt, he couldn’t do or say anything. She was his student. How taboo was it if he acted on his and her feelings? It wasn’t right, and he couldn’t help but blame himself. He was the older of the two. She was a mere child compared to him. It wasn’t right.

  “Listen, it’s my fault. I apologize. I should have been more aware,” Dovian mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.

  She turned to him with tears in her eyes. Her cheeks and nose were red, yet she tried her best to remain in control of her emotions.

  “No! No harm was done, sir. It was nothing more than a speech. I’m glad I provoked a response from you. In fact, it seemed to bother you. I suppose that’s a good sign. I’m well on my way to becoming better at my speeches.” She straightened her posture, lifting her chin. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got an important appointment to attend. I hope we’ve come to a conclusion.”

  Dovian struggled to form words. After a moment, he firmly nodded. “Great speech, I’Lanthe. One of the best I’ve heard. You won’t have any problem passing the class.”

  The woman gasped a little at hearing her formal name slip past his lips. She quickly shrugged and pulled her hair behind an ear. “That’s good to hear, sir. I will see you in class tomorrow.”

  Dovian gave her an unsure smile. “Of course.”

  “Goodbye,” she quickly sputtered.

  Dovian held up a hand, but she didn’t see it as she quickly left the room.

  “Bye…” he whispered. He ran a hand down his face. He couldn’t help but feel he had destroyed the young woman’s heart.

  ‘Great job,’ he berated himself. How was he supposed to follow up with his meeting after this? He was going to be distracted for sure.

  It was a good thing he didn’t see I’Lanthe rush toward her home, wiping away the tears in her eyes. She was both scared and ashamed. That was the first time she had let a man get the best of her. She was so sure, so confident that she could push her way into his heart. How could he be so clueless? Did he not care? Was he that oblivious? I’Lanthe had known Dovian her entire life. Deep down, since she was a little girl, there was a special place in her heart for him. Would he ever feel the same way about her? She doubted it. Dovian was a killer. He was Scarlet. There was no way someone like him would understand her superfluous emotions. For the first time in many years, I’Lanthe felt like a child.

  “So stupid! How could I have been so stupid?” I’Lanthe slowed to a halt, eyeing the lakes before her. “Why on earth would a man like Dovian ever feel anything for me?”

  Taking a deep breath, she quickly composed herself. “Okay. No more fairy tales. Only real life. He’s my instructor, nothing more. For his sake, I’ll continue as if nothing happened. It was just a misunderstanding. That’s all.” She smirked, lifting her head to the sky to allow the rain to cleanse her face.

  “He doesn’t remember,” she sadly whispered.

  "Euclid"

  Chapter 8

  Every available Elder occupied the Grand Hall. Their numbers had grown over the centuries, creating the largest and most knowledgeable council the world had ever known. Deep vocal tones and hushed whispers hummed against the silver and gold pillars supporting the arched ceiling hundreds
of feet above. An angelic relic adorned each column. Wings and trumpets folded around the spires, melding to the curved buttresses. A burgundy rug stretched along the aisle; Golden elite soldiers lined each side. These Sorcēarians were more than Scarlet warriors. They were among the originals that arrived on Earth, those who had passed on the art of war to the initial Scarlets. Amidst the group stood Azera–eyes like liquid metal; his dark skin and hair complemented his shimmering armor and crimson cape. He appeared menacing and strong. A man of few words, Azera was rumored to be a hard-edged individual, but to those who knew him closely, he had a kind and gentle heart. Azera was the commander of the Golden Warriors—the top of the line. His power was so great; he could wipe out an entire military fleet with one summon of his golden flame, a move early declared unlawful for use except in dire circumstances.

  By Azera’s side sat Sir Gaius upon a majestic throne at the head of the room. The Elder’s seat curled upward with intricate designs that lifted to half the height of the building. Gaius donned his golden robes. His silver cape was secure high above, connected to a track embedded in the ceiling. The cloth split in two; white diagonal pleats hung from the underside in a symbolic formation of wings. Sunlight beamed from a slit above where a mirror reflected the light above Gaius’ head against the throne behind him, adding the illusion of a halo no matter the time of day. Further back within a recess in the wall stood a magnificent statue forged from gold and brass, details of silver and marble throughout. With a foot resting upon a globe, the immense figure rose to the full height of the building with an impressive staff in hand. The statue’s wings folded back against the wall in a protective gesture toward the Elder Gaius.

  On either side of the room, behind the pillars, was a seating area occupied by the high Elders and relevant Sorcēarians. The Grand Hall seconded as a courtroom, the seats used for the jury. Sorcēarians dictated their own law and rule. If for whatever reason a Sorcēarian were on trial, the process took place in this room. Sorcēarians were immune to the judicial systems of humanity. Having a higher intelligence and understanding, Sorcēarians dealt with their own criminals, no matter how few there were, on Ives. If found guilty, prisoners were contained within a spellbound cell inside the towers of the Confinement Compound. It was an incredibly rare incident. Most offenders were given minimal sentences due to petty crimes. The most severe cases were due to over-fraternization with humans where the circumstances of the relationship had created excessive emotional damage, families were broken up, or murders and suicides had taken place in response to the relationship.