Resolution

by Douglas E Roff

  “Much more, and in much greater depth. Knowledge, communication, wisdom …”

  “And pleasure?”

  “Yes, great pleasure if that’s your desire.”

  “Can you show me more later. Of everything?”

  “As much as you wish, Eene.”

  Eene thought, then said. “Now would be … improper. At least for what I wish to experience first. I guess I should also climb down now. I apologize if I overstayed my respite on your lap.”

  “I think I shall remain seated myself for a moment while I reduce the size of my … reaction.”

  “Oh yes, I can see we do have a mutual interest in shared knowledge. I shall take my seat.”

  Caroline whispered to Kendra, feigning ignorance. “What was that about?” However, Caroline already knew what it was about, but had obviously not experienced it yet. She would that night. It had already been “arranged” by Helena, engagement to Tarken or not.

  Kendra whispered, “Perhaps ask Eene. I’m sure that would be best.”

  The others were equally confused. One asked, “What does this prove?”

  “Nothing now, but it will later today. For now, we will go to the last demonstration which I have had to leave ‘til the very end. It’s the reason I am here and the one item with which I need the most help.”

  Adam stood in the center of the space cleared earlier for Kendra’s bouts.

  Then he transformed.

  Chapter 37

  The remaining eleven Headmen and some sixty or seventy aides still watching from the hallways outside the Study were frozen in place. A human, an outlander, had just suddenly transformed before their very eyes. One second, he was a pale fragile human, notable in no particular way; the next second, he was a tall and forbidding looking Gens. His eyes were bright deep menacing red orbs that appeared to glow even in daylight, his fangs long and razor-sharp. He extended and retracted his claws, almost rhythmically, as he peered around the room, a menacing visage that would frighten humans to the verge of insanity and cow Gens warriors to obedience. There were other things beyond terrifying to note; things that weren’t normal. Not for any Gens, not for any creature that had ever walked the Earth

  He had five claws on his paws which replaced his human hands, not four as with most Gens males. He had four claws on his foot paws, plus one additional appendage, on the center of his paw like a human toe. He was tall, maybe six feet five inches crown to foot; his eyes were of the rare deep crimson variety that frightened Gens men, and thrilled Gens women. The purple hue was the stuff of legends; a killer, rare and without conscience, well beyond the worst that the Gens had ever produced.

  He was called the Manti, in the Common Tongue, Protector of the People, in English. This duality had a strange effect on the Gens folk. No living Gens had ever heard of a living Manti; they were less than myth or legend, they were creatures of the imagination, of storytellers passed down from generation to generation.

  Yet here one stood, alive and looking hungry.

  The Headmen still couldn’t move, instead looking at this stunning male. Some of the aides stood in place, watching for what the Manti would do next, unafraid. Others ran for their masters, bidding them to come see the creature of the mist from before the dawn of time when Gods roamed the Earth under the watchful eye of the Creator.

  Soon the Study was full again with Headmen, just as Adam began to falter, transforming back to human shape and form. He fell to the ground, barely conscious.

  He whispered, now cradled by Kendra, Caroline and Eene. He breathed, barely audible, “I cannot control my Gens nature; it saps my strength to the edge of death. I have come here seeking your collective wisdom, to learn to exist in Gens form, and to learn to fight as a Gens warrior. Time draws short. Please I beg you, help me, help me …”

  With that Adam passed out, his heart still beating and strong. But he was very weak and had only been in Gens form for a matter of minutes. Eene and Caroline instantly instructed the aides to their Headmen to return home, and summon the wise men, the Shamans and Healers to return to Dietschberg by the quickest means available. They were summoned with all due haste; no stories of these events were to be told to anyone. Death awaited the acolyte who disobeyed this command.

  Within days, Eighty-One Shamans and double that number of Healers along with Gens warriors assembled behind closed doors to discuss the matter of the Manti. The Shaman of the local clan, Xen, attended to strengthening Adam with brews and foods rare and seldom prepared. But color returned to his human face, and within a week, he could exercise strenuously.

  Kendra never left his side; nor did Eene. His visitors were many and blessings spoken daily by all, human and Gens alike. They invoked the Creator to heal the human and bring him back to them safely.

  Their prayers were answered and on the ninth day following his collapse, Adam stood, dressed and walked on his own in battle array. He thanked the Headmen and Shamans, then walked amongst the people of Dietschberg to offer his appreciation for their prayers and blessings. They, in return, bowed in respect and thanksgiving. On the fifteenth day, guided by Caroline and the entire entourage of Headmen, he visited the local village to thank the Shaman, and greet the Gens of the Black Forest, among them Hans and Tarken.

  The reunion of Caroline and Tarken was joyful, yet Tarken noted something different in his intended, as if a light had dimmed, imperceptibly, but no longer glowing as brightly as the sun at midday. He noted that the women of the village all gathered around the human, as if a Gens God had suddenly appeared. The children tugged at his sleeve, and Adam spoke to each with encouragement in Common Tongue.

  Kendra cleaved to her husband, as did Eene. Kendra could see what Eene felt for Adam in her eyes, but there was no jealousy. Kendra understood who Adam was and what Eene’s role would be in his life. Eene would have precious little time with him; far less than she would come to desire. There were other distractions in Dietschberg and she would taste those delights when afforded the opportunity. She was Gens, the Headman of her Village, and young and unmated.

  Kendra had already passed many long evenings with Eene by her side, each learning how to pleasure the other. Kendra shared the secrets of the union of minds with Eene but asked Eene’s forbearance from learning too much too quickly. Adam was destined to guide her on her journey, and only Adam knew all the secrets the Creator had bestowed on his chosen guides on Earth. Adam would share his abilities and wisdom with Eene; together they would teach all the Gens of the Eighty-One. If the Eighty-One were loyal. That would need to be decided later.

  “He will pleasure you too, unlike any male,” said Kendra. “He’s difficult to resist; though I have no affinity for men, I cannot help myself in his presence. He’s … like no other. He’s Manti, Protector of our People; all our people, Gens human and Nobilus. And …”

  “And?” asked Eene to a giggling Kendra Boles.

  “A wanton purveyor of lust and pleasure. He seems to know our deepest desires and makes us desire his touch in fulfilling those pleasures. Over and over again.”

  The women burst out laughing.

  Eene asked, “Do you think he will favor me soon?”

  “Ask him. I believe tonight he’s available. I will join you later, if you’re willing.”

  “I am. Help me learn what pleases him, and I will, in turn, please you. Often, should you desire it.”

  “I desire it now, if you’re willing.”

  Eene loosened the two strings on her shoulders holding up her simple shift, which dropped to the floor. She crawled up upon the big bed and beckoned Kendra to her side. Neither woman resisted the needs and pleasures of the other and the afternoon passed peacefully.

  Adam was downstairs in the Study with Caroline, and other original eleven Headmen, minus one. When he inquired of Eene’s whereabouts, Caroline urged patience, and said she would join him later. Kendra and Eene had a request for him, but not until after evening meal.

  Then, in the hours before evening rest, Carol
ine requested time with Adam alone too.

  “Is all well, my Queen? Have I offended you in any way? Been inattentive to your needs?”

  “You have not. It is I who have need of you. Tonight, as evening deepens. I shall meet you in the Library alone and in private. I shall send a servant to fetch you when I am ready.”

  “I await your bidding.”

  ***

  In the growing darkness, Caroline summoned Adam to the Library. She looked far from regal; she instead reminded him of the song “California Girls” by the Beach Boys. She wore blue jeans and a simple pink t-shirt, sandals on the floor, but barefoot as he entered the room. She was reading a magazine, fashion from London or New York, and her face brightened as he approached her.

  She patted the cushion next to her, beckoning him to sit down. She seemed in great spirits, and dismissed her servant immediately, bidding her close the door behind her.

  “Thank you for coming Adam. I know the demands on your time, day or night are incessant. But there are a few things on my mind, and only you can help me resolve them. Have you time for a chat?”

  “Of course, my Queen. At any time and for any reason. You need only ask.”

  Caroline was twenty-five, or so Adam was told. But she still reminded him of a teenager, reading teen magazines, thinking about boys, chewing bubble gum. She was none of those things, and Adam knew it. She exhibited vast inner strength and was emotionally titanium tough. She led her small Kingdom with kindness and showed no airs or phony trappings of royalty.

  Caroline, the Queen, was a model human being.

  She began, “I noted your connection to Eene some days ago when you transformed and was wondering if you could explain it to me. It affected her then, and still does to this day. She’s changed and happier for it.”

  Adam began, then was cut off.

  “I’m sorry, but what I just said was untruthful and I shouldn’t begin our conversation in this manner. Both Bella and Helena, but mostly Helena, have told me all about you, in every detail, including your incredible ability to join minds. A union of souls almost, but incredible, and safe and beautiful. She says that your wives favor only you, but no other man. Is this so?”

  “It is.”

  “And that you can journey together, explore the Universe, give and receive knowledge and explore the history of all creatures that have ever walked this planet and know their hearts?

  “Yes, true. In part, that’s why I’m here. To teach the Eighty-One all that the Creator has given me, so our peoples may begin again, as he Creator intended. There is a plan, a dangerous plan, but that’s my task and I shall fulfill it.”

  “How shall you teach your wisdom?”

  “The Creator has shown Eene to me as my guide to the Gens. The Creator has yet to reveal the human. I await a decision.”

  “None among your wives?”

  “No, my Queen. I thought it might be Kendra, but she was destined to mate with me and we shall raise two children, a boy and a girl. Twins.”

  “What of Vera Capri?”

  “She will bear my children because Hannah Parker, her female mate, will bear my children too. Both desire a family, so there is no conflict.”

  “I believe I know who your human acolyte is. My Shaman has revealed my destiny, though it’s painful, and some will be hurt along the way. But my Shaman reluctantly revealed to me that I am destined to mate with you and begin a great undertaking. But we shall not be wed; that I am destined to fulfill that with another.”

  Adam said, “I am thrilled but don’t understand what you want of me tonight or how your Shaman came to this knowledge.”

  Caroline smiled. “Then please, follow me.”

  Chapter 38

  Caroline pulled back a heavy tapestry against a wall. Behind it was a door. “This leads to my secret rooms, a study, library and bedroom when distraction becomes too much. We must go there now. I will explain everything, and I will beg your advice. I am troubled and don’t know what I should do. Much hangs on the success of my work with you, yet if completed as I think it must, it will destroy my Kingdom, and my personal life. The wisdom of the Creator is what I need most, and I don’t know how ask this favor of guidance.”

  “Then we shall ask together and await an answer.”

  “You have done this before?”

  “Often. I am but a man; the Creator never deserts us and will bestow wisdom to those who merit the answers they seek.”

  “I am afraid. I want to do what’s right and I don’t want to do what I know will be painful for others. I cannot do both.”

  “I was afraid too, in the beginning. I am no longer. The Creator is like a great teacher, but only of what is positive. The Creator’s wisdom and teachings, what we call the Way guides us. Worry not.”

  “You will be with me?”

  “I already am and have been since I first saw you in my visions. I needed only for you to assent to your part in our future. The Creator gives us free will; your future is for you to choose, not me. This is what I whispered to Eene yesterday, and her response was as yours: she already knew her destiny and that it might be filled with pain. But she fears it no longer. You are now mine to protect and no harm will ever befall you or Eene while I draw breath.”

  “And you?”

  “The Creator hasn’t answered that for me, so it’s not within my knowledge yet to know my destiny.”

  “How can that be?”

  “The Creator is not God; the Creator doesn’t know all nor can the Creator change past events or make certain to come true future events. The Creator may only affect future events. Provide conditions, set new events into motion or open the doors of opportunity, but cannot insure outcomes. Predictions may almost always be correct yet not with absolute certainty.”

  “I see.”

  “But what you wish of me, and what you are to ask of me tonight, I don’t know. Just speak openly, and truthfully, and I will answer your questions, give you the knowledge you require and do your bidding if I can. If you wish union tonight, mental, physical or both, then we will not conclude before the sun rises. Perhaps you should inform Eene and Kendra to plan my reunion with them for tomorrow night.”

  Caroline smiled, ran up the stairs to the Library, and asked a servant to deliver a note to Eene and Kendra in their quarters. “Adam will be occupied on official business with me all night. He begs your indulgence and promises to make up for his absence with you tomorrow night. He promises something called ten “E-tickets”. I’m sure it will be thrilling, whatever the meaning.”

  ***

  When Caroline returned, Adam was sitting on the edge of the bed. “The Creator has blessed us with an answer, and solutions to your quandaries. Our union too is blessed, and we may do as your Shaman has informed you.”

  “When can you tell me of the Creator’s advice?”

  “Whenever you wish to be informed.”

  “Then later. There is much I wish to know, this worry now having been liberated from my mind. But first I wish to know the secrets of my erotic anxieties and for that I wish to understand your relationship with your wives. Then, I wish physical and mental union, for as long as you will allow. Do I ask too much too soon?”

  “No. Everything I will tell you is yours to know; you may explore my mind as long and as deeply as you wish. I am open to anything you seek from me,”

  “Then tell me about your women. Leave out no details. But one thing I ask you to remember. I am a woman, flesh and blood with natural physical desires and needs that sometimes conflict with what I believe my duties to be to my people; all my people Gens, human and mixed-race. I am conflicted about Tarken and my lust and desire for you.”

  “Does Tarken satisfy you? Physically?”

  “I love him so much, but like all Gens males, he lacks in performance skills. He refuses to learn how to satisfy my wants and needs; he refuses to pleasure me as I wish. I think I ask too much of him and that there is something wrong with me. That I desire too much; it is un
natural. He refuses to change or discuss these matters with me. I cannot live a lifetime with him in this manner, though to break off with him now would be cataclysmic. I ask you to help me understand what I should do.”

  “Already done. I will explain later.”

  ***

  “My wives are more than mates and the future mothers of my children. They all work either in our struggles with the Collective, or the Black Shirts, or the Vatican or in developing the creation of the New Age to come. These tasks were given to me by the Creator though not all my family or my wives believes as I do.

  “My first wife is Misti Alarcon St. James. She forms the third leg of the triumvirate dedicated to the defeat of the forces arrayed against us and the creation of the New Age. Her job is to guide me to the Path and to protect me. She has born a child to me, a son, but doesn’t any longer live with me. She shuns males, save me. However, our sexual congress is frequent and edgy; romantic love is not what she desires. She is primal, with all that implies. She embodies the violence of nature. I have known her all my life.

  “Like her is Kendra Boles and Vera Capri, also strong women who occasionally have sexual congress with me, though males are not their erotic preference. Kendra will bear me children as will Vera. Vera is married to my ex-girlfriend Hannah, who would give up everything in her life, save Vera, to be my sole consort. She is, in the traditional sense, one of my two true wives. We are deeply connected and deeply in love.

  “My other two wives are Nocera Lee and Alana McCarthy. Nocera is the second of the triumvirate, and our spiritual leader. She has all but abandoned the physical, and our sexual congress is infrequent. She bore me a son and will bear me two more. Then our physical intimacy together will end.

  “Alana McCarthy is the wife with whom I live. She’s pregnant with my first daughter and is the third member of the triumvirate. She exists between Nocera, the spiritual, and Misti, the embodiment of the physical. She is Balance. She is my second wife in the traditional sense, and we live together in absolute harmony. I love all my wives very deeply but couldn’t exist without Misti, Alana and Hannah. They form the pillars of my emotional wellbeing.