The Esoteric Design: Civilization Lost

by A. R. Crebs

  “My apologies, Antron, for mentioning it.” The previous speaker gave a short bow.

  “They have the capacity to lie to themselves, hide their memories enough to frame us, and now contain stolen technology to disallow us to read their minds.” Euclid waved toward his listeners. “If we don’t change something soon, we will become extinct.”

  “But the question is, what do we do?”

  “First thing’s first…we need to do something about the World Council. Next, our Elders,” Euclid coldly suggested. By his tone, everyone was aware of what he meant. In their eyes, the World Council had been corrupted for many centuries. But Euclid’s insinuation was still excessive.

  The room filled with quiet whispers.

  Footsteps slowly descended the stairs; everyone quickly hushed with fear. Soon Rhondin entered the tomb with flowers in hand. He paused, his sight resting on his son. He barely looked at the others, his expression unreadable.

  “Father,” Euclid uttered with unease.

  “Did you forget what day it was?” Rhondin slowly cut through the small crowd.

  An icy chill ran down Euclid’s spine. How could he have forgotten?

  “It is my anniversary,” Rhondin simply explained. “I apologize for interrupting whatever gathering this is. I won’t ask my questions, but I do request some time alone with her.”

  Euclid quickly waved his hand toward his gatherers. The protective barrier shattered as they each quickly filed out of the tomb, murmurs flurrying about.

  “We will think about this,” one of the attendants said.

  “I will request another meeting with you all at a later date. We shall discuss further details then.” Euclid trailed behind, looking for each member’s solemn nod. They were nervous, but none seemed to be the type to betray him. He had trained his entire life to detect such motives. His father, on the other hand, was another story. As the crowd teleported one after another, Euclid faced Rhondin.

  “Is it strange, that I’m not entirely surprised by this event?” Rhondin peered at his wife. After all the years, her appearance still stung his heart. “But of all the places.”

  Euclid lowered his head. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t realized the date.”

  “You aren’t the only one to have lost someone, Euclid.” Rhondin’s words were unusually sharp.

  “Precisely my point.”

  Rhondin turned, his frosty eyes holding a furious glow. It hadn’t been since his childhood that Euclid had seen such a glare from the man. “You have to stop this. Your mother would be so….”

  Euclid frowned. Of all the people in Ives, Rhondin was the last person he would ever want to fail. “Disappointed? Like you are?”

  Rhondin let out a guilty sigh. “It’s not disappointment that I feel. It’s worry. I’ve only ever wanted the best for you.”

  “The best for me? By allowing the Elders to deny me advancement within the statuses?”

  “They were right to do so, in a way.”

  “In a way? You’re on their side?” The younger man’s hands balled. He could barely control his anger anymore. It was one of his worst traits.

  “I don’t choose sides, Euclid. I do what is right. What feels right to me.”

  “So…my abandonment by the Council of Elders was the right thing?”

  “Why must you choose to put these words into my mouth? Do you want me to forsake you? Do you want us all to? I understand your hate and loathing. I pray every day for you to win over the darkness that resides within you. I want nothing more than for you to be happy. But…some days, I swear…it’s as if you want things to go utterly wrong.” Rhondin’s strength faded. Instead of his earlier frustration, passivity had once again settled within him.

  “Why would I want things to go wrong?”

  “All around you is glory and beauty, yet you choose only to see the bad. You have known only the darkness of this world. You have denied yourself the sight of light and love for so long, I fear you will never truly know it. And for that…I have failed you, despite trying my best. Just as I failed your mother. As I failed Elysia.”

  Euclid lowered his head. His father blamed himself for everything that had gone wrong. Unlike him, Euclid blamed everyone else for his pain and misery.

  “They killed them! They took your arm! That disgusting race, the worst of all creations, doomed us all! And we blindly fell for them! For what reason? To allow them to taint us as they have themselves and everything else they’ve laid their bloody hands on?” Euclid seethed.

  “They are not all evil, Euclid.”

  “No? They have the choice, Father! They have the choice to love and to obey, and yet they do the opposite! They willfully go against everything! They are no better than the original Fallen!”

  “And who would we be to follow in the same direction?”

  Euclid stepped closer, his finger pressing against his own chest. “I have the power to make this world right! I have the power to do what God wanted! We can create the world in our image! Do it right!”

  Rhondin shook his head. “You’ve no idea what you’re saying.”

  “I do! And if it takes their extinction, then so be it!”

  “You think you can gather and manipulate those who have lost loved ones by the hands of humanity? Boys like Antron? You’re trying to create your own rebellion. You will only cause more death and suffering.”

  Euclid’s brow quickly softened as he shivered beneath his father’s disapproving stare. “Please, father. Join my side. You know I’m right. Deep down. You can feel it.”

  Rhondin swallowed hard. How he missed his beloved wife. If she were still around, perhaps Euclid wouldn’t have turned out to be so sinister.

  A hard lump formed in Euclid’s throat. “I need you, someone like you, to be at my side. I…I don’t have anyone else.”

  And at that moment, Rhondin saw his son as a young boy.

  “If you would open your eyes, you would see that you have many.”

  In an instant, Euclid’s hatred resurfaced. “You choose them over me! I always knew you would! You and the Elders give up on your own kind, your families…for them!”

  Rhondin disagreed.

  “I have the power to do this, to set things right!”

  “And how do you think you will manage this? The Elders will have you locked up in no time, if not turn you to dust outright!” Fear filled his father’s soul. His eyes dropped suddenly onto Euclid’s overcoat. “What have you got?”

  Euclid’s face paled.

  Rhondin used force, reaching into Euclid’s pocket. He removed the large spell book, a loud gasp slipping from his throat. “It…it was you?! You’re the one who took Sir Gaius’ book?” The older man nearly collapsed, reaching for support against the stone wall. “Of course, it was,” he exhaled sharply.

  “I have many abilities. I’m stronger than anyone knows me to be. Father, you know what I’m capable of.”

  Rhondin shook his head again, refusing to believe it. “No, not you. Not my boy.”

  “I’m not your little boy anymore! He died a long time ago!”

  Rhondin nearly cried, the book shaking between his fingers. “What makes you think you have the right to do this?”

  “Because I am the Arbitrator!” Euclid whispered, steadying his father.

  “W-what?” Rhondin made a noise between a wheeze and a strangled laugh. “You think you…you are the Arbitrator?”

  “Did you just laugh at me?”

  “Euclid, you are not the Arbitrator.”

  “And you are so sure? You don’t even know how powerful I am. How different I am!”

  “You are no doubt powerful. To steal Gaius’ book means you have amazing abilities. And I’ve heard the rumors of you losing the Heaven Song, which God forbid that be true, but anymore I don’t doubt it. However, to say you are the Arbitrator,” he took a long pause, “it is impossible.”

  “Why is it impossible?”

  “Because,” Rhondin looked to the boy with an overwhe
lming feeling of regret, “because Dovian is the Arbitrator.”

  It felt as if Euclid plunged into the waters of the Antarctic, thousands of needles pricking his skin. He wanted to deny everything his father had just told him, to laugh in the old man’s face, but Euclid knew there was some validity in the man’s statement. Suddenly, everything about Dovian made sense. The way he was coddled, his amazing power that was so scandalously protected and shielded by a back apparatus made by Sir Gaius himself. Euclid had heard whispers throughout his life about the Gaius lineage being the most powerful, destined to birth the Arbitrator. They were meant to be the judges of this world. It was a thing that Dovian had no interest in. A thing that he and Euclid had discussed many a time while battling together. Dovian had no desire to be of Gold Status, and he surely had no inclination of being the Arbitrator himself. It was foolish. There was no way Dovian could handle such a responsibility, but that didn’t mean that he someday couldn’t spawn a child of his own to take the position. The icy grip on Euclid’s throat loosened as his hate warmed his body.

  “Preposterous! Dovian can’t even wake before sunrise to make it to class on time! The man is weak! He will never obtain Gold, let alone a role such as Arbitrator! He wants nothing of it! He cowers at the mention of conflict. For God’s sake, he couldn’t even woo a woman!” Euclid’s shouting quickly halted.

  I’Lanthe was the key. Dovian had left Euclid’s side on the battlefield for that woman. If they were ever to marry and have a child, it was possible that Euclid would have to compete. He would just have to prevent that from ever happening. For now, Dovian was safely locked away in the tower. If Euclid could pull some strings, he could make sure I’Lanthe never contacted Dovian again. With her gone, he could use his friend on the battlefield. Euclid needed Dovian’s support and power. It wouldn’t take much to convince him to join his side. Dovian always teetered on deciding what was wrong or right. Euclid could easily manipulate him. He had plenty of times in the past.

  “I regret even mentioning it. I can tell by the look on your face, you’re plotting something.”

  “Is it proven Dovian is the true Arbitrator?” Euclid asked.

  “It isn’t proven, but mere speculation. I don’t even know for sure, but your grandfather sits on the Council of Elders, and my good friend is Dovian’s father. I’ve heard enough from the two of them to gather their theories.”

  “And how long have you known about this?” The revelation was astounding. Why would the council keep it a secret? Was everything about the Gaius lineage a setup for their rule? Ives wasn’t meant to be treated as a monarchy. Anyone could be the Arbitrator. If it was known that Dovian was the Arbitrator or the title would be owned by someone within the Gaius lineage, the Elders were withholding that information from the public. It was a conspiracy.

  “How long?!” Euclid’s harsh tone made his father jump.

  “For many years. Since, since you were a child, it was known there was a possibility. They thought Dovian’s older brother was to hold the position, but the boy died.”

  “You’ve known this entire time, and you never told me?” Euclid held his hands against his head. “And what am I supposed to do now with this knowledge?”

  “Back down from your crusade. You cannot win this fight, Euclid. The Elders are too powerful. Dovian is—”

  “Locked away and no longer a threat. He doesn’t know he’s the Arbitrator.” Euclid’s sight fell upon something far away in the distance, his eyes burning with light.

  “He will figure it out eventually.” Rhondin tried to reason with his son.

  Euclid’s eyes dimmed as he realized there was one other option for him. “The position of the Arbitrator has nothing to do with birthright, it has to do with power. The only one who’s ever bested me in anything was Dovian. If he never existed, his position would be open to anyone strong enough.”

  Euclid quickly tugged the book from his father’s hands. With a flip through the pages, Euclid brought up his desired page. His eyes illuminated as he read.

  “What are you planning?” Rhondin asked.

  “Go back to what you were doing, father. This doesn’t concern you any further.” Euclid quickly reached into his coat. “Don’t even think about getting in my way.” He disappeared.

  “Euclid!” Rhondin reached forward, his hands grasping at the air as a dark portal swallowed his son. A cold air filled the room, scratching the man’s lungs. He fearfully looked at his wife, tears lining his eyes. “I have failed you, my love. I have failed us all.”

  ***

  “Why is he still in there?” I’Lanthe pressed her hands firmly against Sir Gaius’ desk. “And why haven’t I been allowed to see him?”

  “It’s important that Dovian doesn’t become too emotional right now.” Gaius tried to calm the young woman.

  “Too emotional?” Her anger worsened. It was bold of her to speak in such a way toward the Elder, but she had grown comfortable with him after spending many years training beneath him. “And what do you think will happen if I grow too emotional?”

  “Listen, I’Lanthe. I’m aware of the fury that you and your lineage possess. Why Narita herself has scared me as much as the greatest of our warriors. Dovian must spend some time alone. It is important that he do so.”

  The woman narrowed her plum eyes, her lips tightening. “May I ask why?”

  Sir Gaius sighed and stood from his chair. “Dovian is caught in the middle of some foul play. We all know he is innocent, so don’t fret about that. He needs to reflect on the situation, to come up with some form of conclusion as to why he may have been framed. If you were to see him now, in his current mental state, I am afraid he’d do something drastic. I can’t have that happening right now. I am in the process of gathering enough evidence to hold our own trial. The World Council demanded we lock Dovian up as soon as we returned to Ives. A series of unfortunate events has landed us in a precarious situation between the world leaders. They are threatening war.”

  “War?” I’Lanthe gasped. “They are so quick to come to that conclusion.”

  “You have Euclid to thank for that.”

  I’Lanthe frowned. “Euclid?” Anger settled within her once again. “What has he done now? He’s responsible for Dovian being imprisoned, isn’t he?”

  Sir Gaius gave her a knowing look.

  I’Lanthe gnashed her teeth. “He’s something terrible. Can we not detain him?”

  “Regarding the murder of Sarkov, we have plenty of evidence. As for the two humans recently killed, we’re in the process of gathering enough evidence to prosecute Euclid. We know he was a familiar face at the location of the crime.”

  “This is ridiculous. With so little, Dovian was punished. We’ve known of Euclid’s deceit for many years, and yet he still runs free.”

  “I understand your anger. Believe me, I would have never detained Dovian if it weren’t for the demands of the World Council, who is also eating from Euclid’s hand. He’s pulled some serious strings these past few days that have quickly led us into a world of chaos. Euclid should never have been given so much power.” Gaius faltered. Power. Euclid had too much power. To carry out so many schemes undetected meant that the Azure warrior had grown stronger than ever anticipated. “Euclid is wicked, and it’s about to affect us all.”

  The door shoved open, catching the two off-guard. Lita rested against the door knob, her breathing labored. Sweat beaded on her forehead.

  “Lita! You should be resting!” I’Lanthe gasped.

  “No time!” Lita took a deep breath. “Euclid. It’s all Euclid.”

  Gaius’ eyes widened. “What have you seen?”

  “I’ve seen…everything.”

  "The Meeting"

  Chapter 25

  I’Lanthe and Gaius listened to Lita’s story. Though extensive, her visions had shown invaluable evidence that Euclid was responsible for the death of Quentin’s family; she knew of specific facts surrounding the event that Gaius and the others had not relinq
uished. The twisted dreams also revealed Euclid’s private meeting and the conspiracy against humanity and the Council of Elders. Lita spared no detail.

  “We’ve more than enough evidence now.” I’Lanthe gestured toward Lita.

  “And the humans Dovian was framed for killing, Euclid was responsible for them as well. The woman, the witness, she knows more. She can give us plenty of information on Euclid’s relationship with the woman he murdered.” Lita wobbled, and I’Lanthe quickly settled her in a chair.

  Sir Gaius’ pulse quickened. “Her name was Teresa. Tell me more about this relationship, Lita.”

  “I believe Euclid had developed a close and personal relationship with…Teresa. The vision was blurry, but I believe Euclid killed her and her human lover out of rage. I think…with his illusions, he changed the witness’s memory of the assailant into one being of Dovian.”

  “That bastard.” I’Lanthe balled her hands, her knuckles whitening. “Sir Gaius, I beg you to release Dovian. I worry about his mental health. He blames himself enough as it is for things out of his control. I’ve no doubt he’s already found a way to guilt himself into thinking his current situation is deserved.”

  Lita winced, attracting the attention of the other two. “No, I’Lanthe. I…I don’t know why, but I think he needs to remain in the tower. I can…just feel it. I fear Dovian is in danger.”

  “I fear he is in danger as we speak!”

  “For now, he’s okay. A little upset, but he doesn’t blame himself,” Lita reassured her.

  “How do you know this for sure?” Anger crept over I’Lanthe’s face.

  “Well…I may have spoken with him earlier.” Lita nervously laughed.

  “Lita.” Gaius squeezed the bridge of his nose much in the same way Dovian did.

  I’Lanthe smirked. “And why were you allowed to visit him when I was not?”

  “Uh, maybe because I know how to make Azera’s favorite cookies.”

  I’Lanthe snapped her fingers. “Why didn’t I think of that?”