Arciss was one of the silent indispensables that worked behind the scenes on Rellcine. Involved in most command decisions, he solved major crises more than once, only to fade when praise was heaped by the Kal-Durrell, Graid, or Uonil. He had always been a diligent worker, ever since his childhood. He took the Rell faith very seriously, learning the Ment-al-Ellin by age six, attaining the rank of sub-Alçon at sixteen. He was very outspoken against Novanism, denouncing their addiction to pleasure, cursing their attacks on Rell.
He was so diligent, so outspoken against Novan because he knew he was different. He discovered early on that he preferred men over women. While his friends would turn and remark on attractive women, he would secretly desire his friends. Though the Rell religion was progressive enough to accept the sexual choices of its citizens, it did not approve of those choices. Arciss felt he had to work twice as hard to attain a position any other ‘normal’ person would have desired. As he rose in rank, there were fewer and fewer men who shared his lifestyle choice. As he found himself increasingly isolated, he threw himself into his work, staying up late reviewing analyses of TELREC movements, projections for upcoming events. He distinguished himself as an invaluable aide to both Uonil and Martel, but was always more than a little scared of Graid.
As they entered ComCor, a sea of hundreds of eager faces looked back at them. Usually one to keep his head down when entering a room, Arciss forced himself to keep his head high, to confront all those eyes, all those thoughts. He knew many of the faces, for Rellcine was a small place, with only the best earning the honor to serve there. But there were also some families of some of the agents, mixing in the element of youth, with all those seasoned minds. For some reason, to those minds Arciss felt most vulnerable, feeling trapped in their honest, direct gaze.
To Arciss’ great relief, all before them lowered their heads, in deference to Graid. Whether seated or standing, eating or working, each person lowered their head and was silent for a moment. Arciss looked on them, never before on this side of worship, never so close to the Kal-Alçon.
^It is good they see you at my side,^ cast Graid. ^Look strong, and show no fear.^
“^I thank you my friends, for your respect,^” Graid cast, then spoke aloud. “^We have lost a great man, and he should remain always in our thoughts. Martel was a loyal, dedicated servant of myself and the Kal-Durrell. Never forget his name!^”
“^Never Master!^”
The roar of their reply echoed through the cavernous space. Each voice spoken in unison, reflection of their unshakable faith in the Kal-Alçon.
^Are you sure you want me here, next to you?^ asked Arciss quickly.
^I’m doing this for your benefit,^ rebuked Graid, tired and growing bored. ^We will have a meal here, in front of our brethren, and they will see how I accept you. They will tell their friends, and in time, all will recognize you as the new Steward of the Kal-Alçon. Whether you stay there is completely up to you.^ Graid focused back on the faithful in front of him. “^Rise, my friends, and live.^”
Activity resumed again in ComCor. Some rushed before Graid and knelt before him, offering a quick prayer. Arciss was touched with each of their prostrations, his heart gladdened to see so many show love and honor to Graid.
^How tiresome,^ cast Graid to Arciss. ^It becomes more and more difficult to tolerate this constant kneeling, and prayer. Ah, with but a single command, I could have all the women give me more . . . meaningful offerings.^
Arciss stared at Graid with shock and disbelief, unused he was with this side of Graid’s persona. Graid merely smiled back.
^I understand Martel thought very highly of you.^
^I thought very highly of him.^
^Yet you seem content to be in the shadows,^ cast Graid. ^Why?^
^I . . . just like to work, to contribute to our ultimate success.^
^Don’t lie to me, or I’ll strike you dead where you stand.^
Arciss felt fear run like hot lead through his body. Graid sat at a table, quickly vacated by four others, bowing in deference.
^Come, sit next to me.^
^Thank you, master.^
Graid sat back, and ordered a light lunch. Arciss did the same.
^I am fine with your sexual orientation.^ Graid spoke quickly, as he admired the young women walking by. ^Frankly, I don’t even care. I have seen Novans do much more freakish things with their bodies, things truly abhorrent. What I do care about is your strength. I feel like you struggled very hard to get here, but your strength is failing. Am I right?^
^Master, I —^
^Call me Graid.^
^Graid, I, well . . . Martel was a brilliant man! He was a joy to serve. Uonil also, but Martel took an interest in me. He showed me many things, taught me many things. He was . . .^
^He was your mentor?^
^Yes, and now he is gone!^ cried Arciss, betraying his emotions for a moment. ^I felt alone before, but now I feel even more so. My strength shall return, but . . . I guess I need time to mourn for Martel, and gear up for the challenges ahead.^
Graid thought for a moment. ^I respect your honesty, which is why I am going to be honest with you. We have no time for grief. We have no time at all. Martel is only the first of billions that may die, if we are not successful. We carry too much responsibility to indulge this grief and remorse. Accept his death, and move on. Or get out of my sight, and we will find someone who can.^
^I understand, master.^ Arciss sat up, his face growing cold and hard.
“Graid!”
Both turned to see an elderly woman slowly approach them. Still strong in body, she had a firmness about her limbs, that bespoke of continual physical training. Tall, much taller than Graid, with almost all-white hair, her face was a sea of wrinkles, that conspired against two jewel-like eyes, radiant and youthful. She smiled a woman’s smile at Graid, and he joyfully smiled back.
“Valcha! It is good to see you again. How was your time on Rell?”
“Enjoyable, as always, Kal-Alçon. Luckily, I returned to see Martel, for one last time.”
Graid’s expression grew serious. “They will answer to me for their crimes, Valcha.”
“Vengeance is not our way,” admonished Valcha. “You know that.”
^And you know I don’t always follow our ways.^
Valcha made her way around the table slowly, looking on Graid, her brow knitting in sorrow. ^You have a great responsibility, Arciss.^
^Yes Sub-Alçon?^
^I don’t think you fully understand it.^ Valcha took a seat, next to Arciss. She put a hand on Arciss’ knee, and leaned in toward him, still looking at Graid. ^You see, Martel was skilled in the ways of warfare, and diplomacy. A good balance in a man, he made an excellent Steward. But he did fail.^
Arciss looked surprised. ^What do you mean?^
^What you see in front of you is a being with no moral balance,^ she replied. ^Sin, without faith.^
^And we were having such a pleasant discussion.^ Graid’s smile vanished, and his face changed into chiseled stone. ^My mood changes as swift as lightning. Watch yourself, Valcha.^
^Oh please!^ she cried, laughing a little. ^Your threats carry little weight with one of my advanced cas. As I cast, Arciss, Graid has no balance. Arciss, you have great, unshakable faith. I have been watching you, and I know you seek validation for all your actions from the Ment-al-Ellin, as a true student of the sacred text would. I sense Graid has already tested you?^
Graid gritted his teeth, attempting to maintain a sense of calm.
^Yes. Well, his test shall come,^ she continued. ^And it is up to you, Arciss, that he passes. It is up to you to somehow kindle that faith in our Graid. He has many problems, layers upon layers of problems. Only faith will solve them, and create the champion we all need. But you also must understand that faith is not given by printed words, or the reciting of ritual. It is something one must feel, and draw from one’s own soul.^
^I . . . don’t understand,^ cast Arciss.
Valcha drew close to Arciss
, her deep violet eyes glimmering in the light. ^You will, at least I hope. For your failure will mean our destruction.^
Arciss nodded quickly and firmly. ^I will do my best.^
^Are you through, old woman?^ demanded Graid curtly, the anger visible on his face. Valcha looked at him for a moment, her eyes sparkling, her mouth a frigid smile.
^You need to have respect for your elders! You wield your power with hands of iron, cold as steel. Power should be handled with a gentle soul, ever mindful of the repercussions it will bring.^
^Be null, old woman,^ commanded Graid. ^I know not why you have chosen this time, this place to challenge me. I think you have forgotten your place.^
Valcha sat back, her arms crossed in indignation. ^My place?! I have seen more than you ever will, taught more than you ever will! My influence has shaped everyone you know, touched you in ways you cannot imagine. You are arrogant, Graid. You are neither a Kal, nor an Emperor. You are a man. You are one, Graid. You are surrounded with people of faith who believe not only in you, but in the wisdom of the Kal-Durrell. You act as if you have forgotten that source, Kal-Alçon. They are the wisdom, they are the light. Kal alone reigns supreme. You should always remember that.^
^You need to remember your place.^ Graid stressed his words, but kept their force low. He also exerted some mental pressure on Valcha, dimming her perceptions, making it hard for her to think.
^Have you forgotten Martel already?^ Valcha struggled to find balance within her mind, to mask her discomfort. ^Did you ever do this to him?^
^I had no need to,^ hissed Graid, ^he knew his place!^
^Have you no compassion?^
^Compassion? Ha! What a dead word,^ cast Graid. ^No one on the globes knows the meaning of that word. They know not of pity, remorse, or even forgiveness. Where were those words when I was born?^ Graid switched to a cast frequency between only himself and Valcha. ^Where were you when they created this living weapon, born with but one purpose? Where was my father, where my mother? Where was the love, the compassion, the remorse then?! Born in so many tubes and stasis chambers, never to have felt a living being until my seventh cas of existence! I am exactly what you and every other Alçon wanted; a soulless weapon, with one single purpose.^
Valcha stabilized herself under Graid’s pressure. Though old in body, she was well trained in mental combat, and could hold her own against all but a few. She may have had the title of Sub-Alçon, but her strength and will surpassed most of those above her. It was only her direct honesty that kept her from her rightful position.
^Then what of Selva, and Nahlai?^ she countered, with some difficulty. ^What of Uonil? I sense you have sentiment towards those, and a few others.^
Graid bore down harder, and Arciss could feel her strain, as her hand grasped his knee tightly.
^Be null!^ demanded Graid. ^Never question me in the open, I will not tolerate it! No leader should ever tolerate insubordination, not even from the likes of you. Remember this; no matter your age, no matter your sex, no matter my familiarity with you, you are servant to me. I am the Master; I am the Kal-Alçon — never forget!^
Arciss touched Graid on the shoulder, seeing he was involved with Valcha.
^Graid . . . there has been a summons from Uonil —^
^Don’t you think I know?^ Graid slackened his hold on Valcha as he quickly stood, anger storming on his face. ^I so tire of your assumptions of me based on your experiences.^ Graid finally released Valcha, and she visibly relaxed. ^Get up, Arciss. We need to go.^
Valcha held Graid’s hand and smiled. ^I forgive you, Graid.^
Graid staggered for a moment, like a wounded animal, looking on her with eyes of pain, and fear. He pulled his hand away and moved off, wishing she had never said those words.
^Always remember your duty, Graid, always remember your destiny,^ she reminded him gently, as a mother would her son. ^What did the Kal-Durrell cast? We give the Kal-Alçon responsibility for the future of all Rell. In his hands shall rest our love for you, our faith in you. The Kal-Alçon shall negate the threat of the Cuhli-pra, and serve as a beacon of strength and hope for our children and all their descendants. The Kal-Alçon must purge us of all evil, must eliminate that which threatens to corrupt or destroy us. Never forget those words, Graid. Never forget!^ Arciss turned to Valcha.
^What happened between you two?^ asked Arciss.
^Nothing you need to be concerned with,^ she cast openly, so Graid could glean the cast. ^One roa, you will understand, Graid. I only hope I will live to see that roa. And,^ she cast, as she rose to leave, ^I hope we all will be alive to see that roa. Youth has the luxury of freedom Graid, and you are nearing the end of your youth.^ She placed a hand on Arciss’ shoulder, and smiled. ^Have faith in yourself, the Kal-Durrell, and most of all, in our Kal-Alçon. For he will need it, most of all.^
^Martel told me of your importance in his life,^ cast Arciss to Valcha. ^I am sure he would be so very disappointed to have seen Graid just now.^
^Sometimes, he is an actor,^ she replied, shrugging. ^Only he doesn’t act for those around him, he acts for himself. To convince himself he is something he is not. You need to show him what he can become. The Kal-Durrell trusts that you can do this. Have faith in them, in yourself, and you shall succeed.^
^Thank you.^ Arciss ran and caught up with Graid, who walked swiftly, his hands clenched at his sides. Passing through the corridors of Rellcine, he walked heedless of those in front of him, who dodged aside in contrition, bowing to the Kal-Alçon.
^She is lucky she is too old to be seduced,^ cast Graid, the anger still seething within him, ^or I would enjoy hearing her beg for my body, watch her abase herself in my presence.^
They made their way quickly to Uonil’ office, Arciss’ mind clouded with doubt and fear, tinged with some sadness.
It won’t be like before, when I could rest easily in the shadows, Martel a strong shoulder to lean on. I need to be totally independent, and in the face of such power! Me, Arciss, Steward to the Kal-Alçon! Why did the Kal-Durrell chose me? What if Valcha’s words are true, that I am to reinforce his faith? I have difficulty enough maintaining faith in myself, how can I inspire it in another? How could I ever hope to match what Martel gave?
Arciss watched the Kal-Alçon as he walked. He seemed to be a short man when viewed through objective eyes, but once he was facing someone, his stature grew. Valcha was a rare exception to that rule, a woman who could retain her identity, her confidence, in the face of anyone save the Kal-Durrell themselves. Arciss always felt small in Graid’s presence, as did most who encountered him. He had a way of negating the ego in anyone, eradicating their self-confidence, turning the most arrogant to the weakest, most pitiful specimen. He possessed chiseled muscles, but proportional, capable of great feats of strength. Even without Graid’s extraordinary abilities his body was faster and stronger than the greatest of Rell athletes.
Arciss thought back to the first time he saw the Kal-Alçon. Graid was still young, only twelve, but in attitude was an adult in full command of his body and mind. Martel had formally become his Steward only two cas before, though he had always maintained some observation on the growing Kal-Alçon. He put on an exhibition for the Alçons, beginning in gymnastics, proceeding to hand to hand combat, swordplay, null-grav paceball. He was amazing to witness, moving blindingly fast, possessed with the experience of a man four times his age. He never made a mistake, never lost a match. In the following cas, he learned Graid’s mind was even sharper, even more powerful than his body.
And that scares me. I’ll need all my resources just to keep pace with him. Martel made it look so easy.
They came to the entrance to Uonil’ office, where Graid stopped, his back to Arciss.
“Is something wrong, Graid?”
Graid cast a sidelong glance at him. As he did, Arciss felt a great pressure bear down on his mind. He felt his senses grow dull, his hearing fade, his vision blur, all tactile input become distant and faint. Arciss struggled agai
nst it, calling upon all the training he had ever been through. He tried to buffet the attack, redirect it along different paths, but it was everywhere. Arciss began to fall to his knees, his breath growing labored. His head shook violently, as his heart pounded within him. He struggled to look up, seeing the same casual expression on Graid’s face. He wanted to speak, to beg for mercy, but found he couldn’t form the words.
“Arciss, understand something; I am so far beyond your conception of what a person is, so far advanced from it, that you will need to completely change your way of thinking around me. None of your thoughts can be shielded from me. It is not an active reading of your mind, it is as if you tried not to see the sky, or feel the wind on your skin. When you are with me, don’t think, just exist. I never again want to nest your doubts, your questioning in my presence. Is that clear?”
Arciss found he was able to speak.
“Yes, master.”
“Good. I trust you’ll remember this lesson. I am using such an insignificant part of my power, you would be frightened if you knew how little. Valcha means well, but I am the Master. Your life depends on you remembering that. Martel earned the right to be called my Steward, but you have very far to go. Now get up, and let’s get going.”
Arciss recovered his strength, and followed Graid into Uonil’ chamber, focusing his mind to make it devoid of irrelevant thought, trying to keep his body from shaking uncontrollably. Uonil looked up at him from behind her desk and let out a tired sigh.
“Have you been torturing him, Graid?”
Graid flopped back in a chair, dangling his legs over the edge, laughter echoing through the room.
“What makes you say that?”
“Arciss, are you alright?” asked Uonil.
Arciss remained stiff, still stung by Graid’s criticism. “Yes, Mentra. I am fine.”
She turned to Graid. “We cannot afford this. Your games distract us from —”
“My games, Uonil?” demanded Graid. “This man is not ready for anything! He is weak, slow, and dim. I merely have exposed his weaknesses, giving him the chance to correct them.”
“Yet he has been appointed by the Kal-Durrell themselves!”
Graid sat back quietly, knowing all that those words entailed. The Kal-Durrell were not to be questioned, under any circumstances. And when they appointed someone to a position, it was only as a consequence of their infinite knowledge.
“Well, we still have much to work on with Arciss.”
“Yes, I will agree with that.” Uonil sat back, her features growing serious and quiet.
“Sorrow? On such a lovely face?” taunted Graid.
“Even you must feel some sadness.”
Graid nodded. “He was a good man.”
Uonil looked at him with some degree of shock and disappointment. “Is that all? A lifetime of service, mentor to many, and that is all you have to say on the death of Martel?”
“Well he was stupid to get himself killed. Come now, we have no time for this. What was his last message?”
Uonil sighed, not hiding the disappointment spreading over her face. “Here it is.”
Uonil downloaded the contents of Martel’s final message to both of them. They each took a moment to review and contemplate on its meaning.
“Compassion and love?” asked Graid. “How I expected more from Martel.” Clearly Valcha had her hand in this!
“He was serious, and probably with a good point,” replied Uonil. “Nahlai has failed too many times using purely sex as a temptation. That has been the easy way out, and even you know it.”
“You think I like seeing her have sex with that pathetic waste of life?”
Uonil spoke gently with amusement. “So, you do have feelings.”
Graid turned to Arciss. “See Arciss, it is always a game with her! She is always trying to find some key to me, some control that will satisfy her. Keep looking, Uonil, but I tell you again, you won’t find what you are looking for. You are the second this roa to look for what is not there.”
“The second?” asked Uonil, with some surprise. ^Who was the first . . . Ah, Valcha! She always was quite perceptive.”
Arciss hesitated for a moment, not knowing which side to take. “So, what did he mean by compassion? For whom?”
“As much as Graid pretends to be a lustful sinner, devoid of feeling, he does have some sentiment for Nahlai” Uonil ignored his angry glare and continued. “As you know, she has been our lure for Kolob in the past missions. Martel is saying she must also be the catalyst for allegiance with us. We must find a way for Kolob to love her.”
“Isn’t that much more dangerous?” asked Arciss.
“Yes, but she’s up to it.” Graid said, nodding.
“I know she is. She got you to fall for her . . .”
“Don’t test me, Alçon,” warned Graid.
“Congratulations!” cried Uonil, with a beaming smile. ^You’ve put in my place again, and so skillfully.”
“Graid, you just chastised me for feeling sorrow,” said Arciss, feeling some anger rise within him, “and here you two are indulging in this petty bickering?”
Graid laughed, slapping his knee with his hand. “Good — a spark of strength! You just might be of use to us yet. I am glad to see some of Martel has worn off on you.”
“Was this . . . a test?” tentatively asked Arciss.
Graid fumbled off the chair and came close to him.
“Some tests will be announced, and some will be in secret,^ he cast, leering into Arciss’ face. He then grew suddenly dark and somber. ^But others will be of a much more serious nature, and failure will doom us all. What Martel and Uonil were suggesting will mean the death of one I cherish a great deal. Yes, cherish, contrary to what I said earlier. But I am Rell above all else, and that means I shall sacrifice willingly and without regret. Uonil, you will update the council of our plans?”
“Yes. That brings us to her introduction. Are we still proceeding with insertion at the AG collapse?”
“Yes,” Graid spoke quickly, as he paced around the room. “And instead of seduction, she should take her time with Kolob, getting to know him. Arciss, work with the Alçons and sub-Alçons to prepare a suitable personality for her. Success will depend for the most part on skillful improvisation, like the first time we attempted this mission. So long as we all are focused, we shall prevail.”
“Does that include you, honored Kal-Alçon?” asked Uonil. “Will you stop associating with the heathen Novans?”
Graid turned slowly to her as Uonil couldn’t help but cringe in her chair. “Never question my affairs — never! I am the master, you are the servant. This is the second time that my authority has been questioned. I would hate to remind you as I had to remind this other person. Do you understand?”
Uonil, despite her outward appearances, was terribly intimidated by Graid. She missed having Martel next to her, hearing his words put Graid in his place.
“Yes Kal-Alçon.” Uonil folded her hands, and sought to change the subject. “What of Listras? Surely we cannot allow her to go on living?”
“Her time will come.” Graid punctuated his words with one hand punching the other, his eyes downcast. “I don’t know when, or where, but her time will come. Martel shall be avenged, and she and every other TELREC shall pay the price.”
“And what of Rhonva?”
“I think Nahlai’s introduction will serve to highlight exactly who Rhonva is, and who he is working for. He will be forced into action, and then we will eliminate him.” Graid sat up, leaning forward, his expression growing serious. “Now that brings us to the most important part of Martel’s message. Arciss, do you know what it is?”
Arciss grew anxious, thinking for a moment. “That he suspects the TELREC know of our manipulation of the timeline?”
“Close, Arciss, very good. He suspects someone of that knowledge. What do you think of that, Uonil?”
“I have consulted with the Alçons. They have run many projections
, and do not agree with him.” Uonil wore a face of disgust for a moment, tired of the Alçons’ continual condescending attitude towards any of her conclusions. “They think it was a random thought, caused by the closeness to death.”
“Ha!” Graid spat out a laugh, angry and cynical. “Do you hear our Alçons? Can you not sense their arrogance and disdain for Martel? Well, I did listen to that message. And I do believe him. And if we ever see the results of the Alçons’ shortsightedness, I will call them on it. And their lesson will be a hard one to learn.”
Arciss looked on Graid and Uonil, two epic figures in the Rell hierarchy, and wondered how he would cope with dealing with them both.
Can anyone stand up to Graid? He is so cruel, so distant, yet he is our only hope for the future. Arciss thought those words deep down in his consciousness, so Graid hopefully would not nest them. I must review his past, try to find some way to connect with him. The Kal-Durrell believe I can, so I shall!
Chapter 7