The Saga / Ch. 1

THE SAGA1

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Chapter 13

...something to be reached for, grasped, and understood...4

May 13th5

"And so it begins.  Just as before; the poor child."  The soul dwelling inside Iella's brain was stirred to action as she moved to stand and face her elder.   "Will you not send one of us?"  6

Jrejoris sat with one wrinkled arm extended in the air.  The student was frustrated with his obvious hesitation.  His own stance of deep thought was to her a sign of fear, for she could see no excuse to delay their aide.  7

"Do not assume so rashly, Iella."  He waved his uplifted hand towards her, and his eyes partially opened to reveal a brewing storm.  "This one is not so statistical; it is not just as before."  8

"Is that not all the more reason to act?"  Her mind beckoned a quite inappropriate action, and she clenched her fists to keep from performing the harmful thought.  9

"No," the professor exclaimed, in that moment leaping to his feet.  Iella was shaken from her anger by his instantaneous movement.  Jrejoris smiled and allowed some of his amusement to be apparent to her.  "This one is different, my dear, because he is the first to understand."  10

Iella returned to her seat, averting her eyes from his humbling gaze.  She spoke softly now, "Of course he understands... The needle has already penetrated his skin and is educating him of its own poisonous potential.  He understands, because the demon has told him.  She extended the drug and he accepted it willingly."  11

"No, Iella.  It didn't require the vision or the interference of Diabolon.  He already knew.  He understood it all long before this day.  And what he understands is that there is something to be reached for, grasped, and understood.  So it is no surprise that with this wisdom he was so easily fooled by who you've christened, "the demon".  It is to be expected that he would take the bait.  That is as it always has been.  But the difference is that for him, this is no blind search for power.  You see, with the others, she would deceive them into the belief that they had always known the existence of something... Something more.  So her job was much easier today, for she had no deceiving to do.  He understands.  Though he does not yet fully know what it is that he is comprehending."12

Iella knew he was right, as always, but something pricked in the back of her mind.  There remained a question that would refuse to settle into the dust of those pushed aside and soon forgotten.  "I would have an easier time accepting that theory, if you were not so obviously afraid."  She stood once more and walked towards the vast transparent cockpit.  Placing her small hand against the window, she traced the constellations with her eyes.  Her voice was cautious, as if she feared the stars themselves might hear her words:  "Is it my own naivety and inexperience that protects me from your fear?  I admit that I am apprehensive... But if it is as you say, and he is safe on his own, then why does that fear exist?  I am almost regretting this inquiry.  I have no desire to understand and acquire the fear into my own mind."  13

"You know what you are asking."14

"Yes, I do."15

"You are referring to the prophecies."16

"Only for the reason that you referred more vividly with your eyes."17

"You know that within my answer exists the risk."18

"The risk?"19

"You are not ready.  Leave this question for another time."20

Iella struggled to maintain her composure.  He refuses to answer, on the simple grounds that I am unaware of an existing risk?  And Jrejoris himself is most likely responsible for this!       21

"If you will not help me, may I explore the issue on my own?"22

Jrejoris cupped her cheek in his palm.  "My dear, it is essential.  You must."  23

Exhausted from her own frustrations, Iella pulled away.  She bowed respectfully to her teacher as she backed out of the cockpit entrance.  Once out of his site, she ran at full speed to her own quarters.  This matter would not be left unsolved.  No matter the level of severity the risk might involve, it was inconceivable that Jrejoris would keep her from the answers.  24

It was not uncommon that she would grow exasperated with his vagueness.   In the confines of her room she felt more at ease with her own chaotic mind and the few points of clarity seemed more able to solidify themselves.  25

The light on her personal console glowed blue, inviting the young student to make use of its technology.  And she would as she always did.  She would reach for this answer, grasp it, and it would be understood.26

~R.M.C.~27