Ruin & Reliance

by Jeremy Dwyer

  “What are your thoughts, architect?” Admiral Erisinni asked.

  “That’s entirely conjecture. We’d have to test the constructor near different waters, and then take whatever measurements we could to differentiate the resulting structures. But you need to understand what’s going on. The packets of light are situated between the water crystals when they’re being assembled. Light meets light and adheres to give the structure shape. Light meets water to wrap it and give the structure strength and volume. However, water doesn’t meet water, so that none of the water crystals gets to interact with the others. I’m not convinced any water-specific properties are going to be manifested,” Erlend said.

  Lieutenant Skender probed Erlend’s mind and found the man to be fairly certain of his statement, and with logical reason. “He believes what he is saying, General. He doubts that the water makes any difference,” Skender said.

  “I believe that his thought process is too narrow in its scope. However, I want to focus on a different matter now. I’ve been thinking about the constructor for some time, and I believe that it is an underutilized technology. It can form much more complex structures, that are more durable and far larger,” General Tiglath said. He removed a book from his coat pocket and opened it to a blank page, where he then wrote a number of calculations and drawings. Tiglath then tore the page from the book, handed it to Erlend and said: “I want you to take another sapphire from the supply box and modify it to have the geometry indicated on this page.”

  Erlend drank anew of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean from his vial and was energized with the powers of crystal and stone. He took hold of another sapphire from the box that was still on the ground from before and started to manipulate the selected crystal to have the indicated geometry, molding its low-level structure as well as its high-level shape.

  Lieutenant Delfina looked over Erlend’s shoulder and recorded the calculations and drawings from the page into her own book. She also drew a sketch of Erlend’s work – the visible, high-level shape of the sapphire as he molded it.

  After an hour, Erlend completed the intricate manipulations of the control sapphire. “It’s ready,” he said.

  “He’s done it to the best of his ability, General,” Lieutenant Skender said after probing Erlend’s thoughts.

  “Where do you want the constructor pillars moved, General?” Admiral Erisinni asked.

  “I don’t. I planned out the crystal’s geometry to work with the pillars regardless of their configuration. They will also need to charge for only five (5) minutes,” General Tiglath said.

  Erlend held up the control sapphire to collect the energy of the many suns. After five (5) minutes of charging, he then made slight alterations to release the control signal. A blue beam of light emanated from the control sapphire toward the sapphires at the tops of the thirty-four (34) constructor pillars. Like before, the thirty-four (34) sapphires lit up and then each of them emanated a beam of blue light toward the others, forming the five hundred twenty-seven (527) geometric diagonals. The beams started to rotate and then the mists of the Zovvin Ocean waters were drawn up into the air and began swirling around, giving the same appearance of the earlier process. However, the appearance soon deviated from the prior construction work.

  The mists took the form of three thousand two hundred (3200) long swords – glowing bright blue – which were arrayed on the ground before the ninety (90) special operations troops.

  “Weapons of crystal sufficient for an entire brigade,” Admiral Erisinni said as he picked up a constructed sword. He felt its weight and tested its edge by hitting it against another sword of its kind on the ground. “Powerful, and luminescent – although that may not be to our advantage for stealth,” he added.

  Lieutenant Delfina counted all of the constructed swords and measured several, recording the details into her book.

  “There’s more, Admiral,” General Tiglath said.

  The mists hovered over the nearby ocean waters and took the form of a fleet of fifteen (15) frigates, each two hundred ninety-six (296) feet in length and having three (3) pivoting double-masts, though they lacked sails.

  “Fifteen (15) frigates! An attack fleet! They lack sails, but still, very impressive,” Admiral Erisinni said.

  Lieutenant Delfina looked out toward the constructed ships and counted them, but they were perhaps two hundred fifty (250) feet away from shore, so she could not examine them closely. She drew sketches into her book, capturing the details she could see of the vessels. Her eyes were healthy and quick, but she did not have far sight.

  “Keep watching, Admiral,” General Tiglath said.

  The mists continued to swirl, moving outward over the ocean. They formed a platform – seventy-five (75) feet in width – that connected to the shoreline and then extended southward farther than the eye could see.

  “How far does the platform extend?” Admiral Erisinni asked.

  “Fifteen (15) miles,” General Tiglath said.

  “That is nothing less than a siege platform large enough that a division of the army could march from island to island without needing a ship,” Admiral Erisinni said.

  “Exactly, Admiral,” General Tiglath said.

  Lieutenant Skender drank anew of the waters of the Elanatin Ocean from his vial to be further energized with the powers of telepathy and empathy. He probed Erlend’s mind and found the man to be uneasy with what he saw. “You’re worried that we’re planning a war. And you don’t wish to help us, do you, architect?” Skender asked.

  “Don’t assume that you know right from wrong, architect. We labor diligently – and forcefully – to rid the world of religious myths that destabilize and destroy civilizations, like they always have. You know what happened in that city. You know what the City of Lies song was warning against…or did you fail to understand it? My operatives were in the Port of Illumination and on Haza’Kedro’Maral Island during those events. They understand the threat, and so do I. A religious cult was planning to use the central bank’s constructed city – under the pretense of economic opportunity – to capture and sacrifice children to a sun deity. Religious myths ruin societies, and those who rely on their mythical deities then attempt to preach their fables to the weak-minded and thereby destroy the entire world. Cooperate with us, and we can prevent that from happening again,” General Tiglath said.

  “Think about it, architect. You know that the general is right. We rescued you from that city,” Lieutenant Skender said. He exercised his powers to attempt to telepathically manipulate Erlend’s mind, or at least to make him less resistant to the ideas.

  “Who are you going to wage your war against?” Erlend asked.

  “Against the sun worshippers, of course! They began a religious war and targeted children. They wanted to use the power and influence of the central bank to infect the entire world with the disease of religion. Soon, we’re going to turn their homeland into a warzone. We’re going to erase their faith and fables from this world, and replace it with rational thought,” General Tiglath said.

  “I’m not here to kill anyone. I don’t want any blood on my hands,” Erlend said.

  “Sometimes, the only way to prevent death is to kill those who commit murder. Sometimes, a few must be killed to save many from being killed. Not everyone is of equal worth, architect. Some must die so that others can live,” General Tiglath said.

  “Stopping religious cults is something I can believe in. But what’s to stop you from expanding your war? If your weapons are better, you can take whatever you want from anyone,” Erlend said.

  “If the accrual of wealth was my primary objective, I would already have control of much more land and money due to my superior strategies and tactics. The Jeshirinko tribes are wrongly accused of belligerence and our commanding officers are unfairly referred to as warlords. In fact, we are the reason that many wars have ended and the world is not in far greater distress,” General Tiglath said.

  “The Chroniclers of the Oath would know.
The truth is in Emeth,” Erlend said.

  “Only a small portion of the truth is written in Emeth. That city and its archives – along with the entire tradition of Chroniclers – are little more than three hundred fifty-seven (357) millennia old. The world is much more ancient. The Jeshirinko culture is responsible for some of the greatest accomplishments throughout history, including the perfection of the virtuous cycle and the design of modern sailing ships. Duke Hagan descended from our bloodline. Major General Ortigern – who defeated King Xander and liberated the entire world during the third age – was our kin. Do not think poorly of our traditions, architect. Be thankful for our dedication to rational thought – the key to true knowledge and freedom,” General Tiglath said.

  “I can’t verify your claims and I don’t really have a choice other than to help you. If I refuse, I lose my own life. If I help you, I’m guilty of whatever war crimes you commit,” Erlend said.

  “Teaching rational thought and freeing the world from the lies of religion are not crimes. Helping us would make you a decent and worthy man,” General Tiglath said.

  “Shall I prepare the soldiers and sailors, General?” Admiral Erisinni asked.

  “Yes, Admiral. Begin making preparations for a full scale assault,” General Tiglath said.

  “Work with us, architect. We’re designing and building a better world,” Lieutenant Skender said.

  ~~~

  From the spirit world, Lavakara watched and considered the implications. He was not especially impressed with the military prowess of the Jeshirinko soldiers, sailors or special operations troops based on his most recent observations. However, the constructor changed the balance of power in ways he had not considered. The ability to make weapons on a large scale was interesting in its own right. Question still remained regarding whether or not those constructed weapons, warships and siege platforms were suitable for battle. Fortunately, the Jeshirinko military leaders would be working to answer that question for him. Lavakara planned on being in the warzone to seek out an exceptional warrior who would have an opportunity to distinguish themselves during the conflict.

  Lavakara was not convinced about General Tiglath’s claims regarding the third age leader, Major General Ortigern. Anyone could invent a plausible legend so old that no disproof could be offered. Large and profitable religious organizations were built on such skillful storytelling.

  CHAPTER 16: Rituals of Marriage and Death

  Inside the highest room of the northwestern tower of her castle on Mezkarilith Island in the Dead Waters Ocean, Lunete of Bazavador looked with glee at the eleven (11) men who stood before her. Aside from Lunete and these men, Kauko stood and waited for the command to begin the wedding ceremony.

  “You are all such handsome men. Most of all, you, Duke Ruupeni, are the finest suitor I’ve ever had. Your skin is so clear and your facial features are so smooth and fair, unscarred by illness or injury. You have even maintained your physique, rather than neglecting your body in a lifestyle of indulgence, which your wealthy family could afford. Your life has been one of privilege,” Lunete said.

  “My lady, the greatest privilege will be to marry you,” the young man – Duke Ruupeni – said. He was twenty-nine (29) years old but looked younger.

  “First, drink of your waters, young man. Show me your very best,” Lunete said.

  Duke Ruupeni drank anew of the waters of the Trerada Ocean from his vial and was energized with the powers of health and beauty. His handsomeness was increased as a result, so that he was more attractive than the other ten (10) men by far.

  “Excellent. You are so fine, Duke Ruupeni. Also, you are a brave man. You fought as a warrior, despite the opportunity to live as a scholar. These others are also brave. Still, none of them can compare to you,” Lunete said. She reached out and ran her hand over Duke Ruupeni’s cheeks.

  “Thank you, my lady,” Duke Ruupeni said.

  “Drink up, all the rest of you, brave and bold noble lords, so that you have vigor on our wedding night,” Lunete said.

  The other ten (10) men each drank anew of the waters from their vials – Nabavodel, in every case – energizing them with the powers of strength and speed.

  “Kauko, prepare the wedding ceremony,” Lunete said.

  Kauko drank anew of the waters of the Zovvin Ocean from his vial and was energized with the power to connect to the spirit world.

  Lunete then drank anew of the waters of the Ursegan Ocean from her own vial and was energized with the powers of time. She slowed time around her and then drew a dagger that was hidden in her sleeve. She quickly dismembered each of the eleven (11) men, cutting off fingers, hands, arms, legs and heads. None of them had a chance to react in the slowed field of time.

  “They were all brave and bold men. Especially Duke Ruupeni,” Lunete said.

  Kauko then contacted a familiar spirit, which guided the spirits of the murdered men to their destinations.

  ~~~

  The spirits of Duke Ruupeni and the other ten (10) men found themselves confined in a strange realm that was a deep shade of blue. They were weak and restful, having none of their former strength, speed, beauty, emotion or passion. Their energy nearly completely left them, and they did not have any understanding of what this meant.

  ~~~

  “The ceremony is complete, my lady. The spirits of all your husbands are dispelled, so they cannot haunt you or this castle,” Kauko said.

  “Excellent, Kauko. Like all the others, these men were warlords. Brave and bold, greedy and lustful, they dared to come here and wed me in search of my feminine charm and legendary fortune. Now, they shall never do battle again. The world has less war and greater peace, because of me. My exquisite beauty – which has only become more irresistible throughout my five hundred sixty-nine (569) years – along with the promise of my wealth, lured these arrogant men into my castle. Weddings became funerals. Now, the world can rejoice,” Lunete said.

  “The world owes you a great debt, my lady,” Kauko said.

  “As do you, Kauko. Now, repay that debt by giving me peace and privacy. You know that is my greatest desire. According to tradition, I will now take our wedding portraits. It’s a private moment, for just the bride and her grooms,” Lunete said.

  “Yes, my lady,” Kauko said and he left the bedroom. He closed the door behind him and walked down the stairs to the first floor of the northwestern tower, where he waited, as was the tradition.

  ~~~

  Lunete arranged the severed bodies of the eleven (11) men on the bedroom floor. She then held a blank lightkeeper crystal up to the window so that the light of the many suns shone through. The images of Lunete and her latest, fallen grooms were captured by the facets of the gem.

  ~~~

  The Molded Gem was a three hundred twenty-two (322) foot long cargo ship, having five (5) pairs of pivoting, double-masted sails. Inside the wheelhouse, Captain Frascuelo drank anew of the waters of the Atrejan Ocean from his vial and was energized with the power to listen to the sounds of the stars. He concentrated to learn their paths and positions and thereby chart a course. Frascuelo took the wheel of the vessel and steered it southwest across the Zovvin Ocean.

  The thirty-four (34) year old captain then turned to his first mate and asked: “Teobaldo, is this the last shipment?”

  “Yes, Captain. I’ve tracked the inventory and this is the last of our cargo. After we deliver these diamonds to Nadranicus Island, we can return to the central bank for another assignment,” the first mate – Teobaldo – said.

  “On our present course, we’ll be there in one (1) day…assuming all goes well. Are we still safe?” Captain Frascuelo said.

  “I will check again, Captain,” Teobaldo said. The thirty-six (36) year old first mate drank anew of the waters of the Zovvin Ocean from his vial and was energized with the power to connect to the spirit world. He probed the location around the ship for hostility. “I sense nothing unusual, Captain. There are many spirits haunting the ghost waters. Yet, n
one of them are moving toward this ship in a hostile way. We are safe for the moment,” he said.

  “Maintain awareness at all times, Teobaldo. Our cargo is valuable, so we are always at risk, both from the living and the dead,” Captain Frascuelo said.

  ~~~

  Nadranicus Island was situated in the southwestern Zovvin Ocean, two hundred nine (209) miles north of the continent of Ihalik and three hundred thirty-seven (337) miles east of the Way of Raza’Deptorum land bridge. The island spanned eighteen (18) miles from east to west and six (6) miles from north to south. The island’s eastern coast was dominated by the bustling Port of Glatavius. Fifty-nine (59) piers extended out into the ‘ghost waters’ ocean, accommodating nine (9) ships each.

  Two (2) miles west of the port city was a swamp, crawling with spiders, rattlesnakes, alligators and rats. A small hut made of wood and covered in brambles was home to a dirty, bearded man. Inside the hut, the fifty-eight (58) year old man drank anew of the waters of the Zovvin Ocean from his vial and was energized with the power to connect to the spirit world. He reached out to find a powerful spirit with whom he was acquainted and soon found it. “Master Besattoken, I await thy commands,” the man said, speaking into the spirit world.

  A powerful spiritual entity spoke into his spirit and said: “Razmig, I have a mission for you. Go to the port city and look for a ship called the Molded Gem. The first mate reached into the spirit world, so I have sensed him while his vessel was sailing the Zovvin Ocean. You are to kill him and the captain in sacrifice. Shed their blood in the ritual so that I can guide you by its life-giving power. Then, you will be able to serve me by fulfilling even greater tasks. My hunger for spirits must be fed.”