Architecture & Adversity

by Jeremy Dwyer

  “There is no him. Not yet, anyway,” Judith said.

  “So this is all hypothetical for now?” Romana asked.

  “I’m looking for him, whoever he is – definitely looking. I just don’t know how to handle the subject of children,” Judith said.

  “Find the man first. Then take it a step at a time. If you don’t know who he is, you don’t know how you’ll feel about him. Relationships are a lot of give and take, and little things about his personality can make a big difference. The biggest things are going to be your faith and your waterbinding,” Romana said.

  “I want a man who drinks the Ursegan waters, whether or not he’s a Chronicler. I don’t want to watch him grow old and die while I barely age. That much I’m sure about,” Judith said.

  “For now you’re sure. Anyway, what about the faith?” Romana asked.

  “He should have faith in God. No question about it. I want someone who won’t try to talk me out of it. He won’t be able to, but I want to be with someone who’s positive, decent, and who knows there’s a higher power we have to answer to. If he has no faith, and we do have children, it’s going to be a problem raising them,” Judith said.

  “I agree that partnering with a man with no faith – or a false faith – will be more difficult. Still, true faith can be shared with those who don’t have it or have false beliefs. Don’t forget that – God wants to save people through faith. He pursues those who are lost, and He sends His children out to spread that faith,” Romana said.

  “I know. You are the greatest friend I have ever had, and I credit you – thank you completely – for sharing your faith with me. That doesn’t make me a leader, though. Just because you could help me doesn’t mean that I can help another person. There’s also the Oath tenet against interference,” Judith said.

  “The Oath requires truth first and foremost. Spreading the Word of God is the ultimate truth. That’s not interference. You don’t need to worry about that,” Romana said.

  “Saving those in danger is interference. How is spreading faith – and saving a soul from the ultimate danger – anything less than the ultimate interference?” Judith asked.

  “Are you truly worried about that?” Romana asked.

  “If I explain faith wrong, and he goes from having no faith to becoming angry at God about the suffering and danger in the world, then I’ve done more harm than if I had said nothing,” Judith said.

  “If the man who interests you lacks faith, I want you to come to me, as a friend. Then, I will guide you, so that you can guide him. You’re worrying too much. You’re good at that,” Romana said.

  “I’ve had twelve (12) centuries to practice worrying,” Judith said.

  “Let faith replace your worries. Still, there are worse things than worrying,” Romana said.

  ~~~

  Lady Onora finished instructing her music students in the Twelfth Hall for the day and decided that it was time for some rest and relaxation. On her way out of the hall, she walked the corridors of the enormous stone building, noting the other music instructors at work with their own students, practicing various vocal techniques and even the use of mechanical instruments. It was clear that many of them were far better vocalists than they were at using cymbals, lyres, flutes or anything else. The Pirovalen waters made most of those items unnecessary, although it could still be instructive to study their acoustical properties.

  She strolled toward the gardens of Emeth and saw her young friend, Romana, walking alongside a Chronicler of the Oath whom she recognized as Judith. Hoping for friendly conversation, she walked in their direction. The waters of the Pirovalen Ocean still flowed through her, giving her not only the power to manipulate sound to create music, but also to hear sound, so she could not help but conveniently overhear their discussion.

  ~~~

  “I agree. Being careless is worse than worrying, because it causes problems you need to worry about. Being violent is worse, because it gives everyone else problems to worry about,” Judith said.

  “True. But do you know what’s the worst of all?” Romana asked.

  Judith paused a moment and thought about this – it was a puzzle, but she couldn’t decode Romana’s intentions here. She ventured a guess and said: “To lack faith in God? Then, that would mean that I was doing the worst thing of all, for the longest time.”

  “Believe it or not, that’s not the root of all problems. Lack of faith is a secondary problem, or a symptom, but not the ultimate cause,” Romana said.

  “What is the ultimate cause, then?” Judith asked.

  “Pride. The proud heart rejects God and God’s Laws, even God’s very existence. The proud heart finds alternatives to God, and credits God’s Work of Creation to accident or to some false deity, so as not to give thanks for their own life and good fortune to anyone but themselves,” Romana said.

  “I didn’t think I was all that self-confident or proud for all those centuries. If anything, the opposite. Yet, I still had a lack of faith,” Judith said.

  “Exactly. Your lack of faith was born out of fear, and your fear was born out of a lack of the proper teaching. You are not a proud person – not in the arrogant sense. Having knowledge, you came closer to God. For some people, having knowledge takes them further from God, when they credit themselves with their accomplishments and talents,” Roman said.

  “The abilities come from the ocean waters, and God created the oceans. Even if they don’t believe in God, they believe in the ocean waters, rather than themselves,” Judith said.

  “That’s just it: they disconnect the ocean waters from the God who created them. Why would they do that?” Romana asked.

  “Lack of knowledge?” Judith asked.

  Romana considered this and said: “Think of it this way: when a person is clever, and overly proud of their own work, they want to share the credit as little as possible. The ocean waters are right there, and totally undeniable, even to the blind. They know that they can’t pretend otherwise. But they don’t mention that the waters come from somewhere. Did the waters create themselves? Are the waters alive? Are the waters an accident? No, not at all. God created every ocean, that should be obvious. That means God is the source of all the power, and the enabler of all of a person’s achievements. A person who is so clever as to achieve great things suddenly stops being clever when it comes to finding the true source of the power. That is because they don’t want to find the true source.”

  Judith heard the bitterness in Romana’s voice and knew that it wasn’t directed at her, but asked: “You’re upset with someone. It’s Fantine, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. She is far too proud of her work. The constructor is just a machine, and has its limits, despite the improvements she has made to it and the structures she has built with it,” Romana said.

  “She strongly disbelieves in God. I heard what she said,” Judith said.

  “Then you understand the problem,” Romana said.

  “Some of the people who listen to her may also come to disbelieve, and then let pride get in the way, wanting to be like her,” Judith said.

  “Yes. That’s what I’m most worried about. A proud person with impressive accomplishments can be very effective at directing all the attention to themselves, as if they never stood on the accomplishments of those before them, or depended on the God who created them. They speak highly of themselves and their boasting is heard by the people around them – the ones who have low self-esteem or are simply less well known. These other people want to be lifted up to closer to that level, to enjoy some of the praise. Rather than giving thanks to God for what they have, they seek praise for themselves by imitating the words and deeds of the proud, who attribute nothing to the generosity of God. Pride destroys souls like no other sin can,” Romana said.

  “Unfortunately, her accomplishments speak for themselves, in a physical sense. The more she succeeds, the more people will follow her lead. Her work is visible in different places. Wherever she builds, she has an influ
ence, as long as she’s successful,” Judith said.

  At this point, Lady Onora was close enough to join the conversation, having overheard much of it in detail.

  “Then let her accomplishments speak for God instead,” Lady Onora said.

  “Onora! It’s been too long,” Romana said, and she hugged her friend.

  “What do you mean by letting her accomplishments speak for God?” Judith asked.

  “Fantine’s constructor – and her ability to use the Kazofen waters to architect new designs with it – can be put to good use, and spread the Word of God, giving Him the glory. Think about it differently, and you’ll see,” Lady Onora said.

  “You’ve got my attention. What did you have in mind?” Romana asked.

  The entire time, Judith had been recording everything into her book, in the shorthand used by Chroniclers of the Oath. The waters of the Ursegan Ocean flowed through her, slowing time for her, so that many things could be perceived at once. No one seemed to notice, almost as if it was a sleight-of-hand, but it wasn’t.

  “Romana, you do remember your young apprentice, Sethunya, who spoke out against King Xander,” Lady Onora asked.

  “Yes, of course. Her faith was strong to the point of death. I read the Chronicler’s record of the murder. I remember that it was Ximenez who witnessed it and gave the report. The writing was so cogent, so emotional, unlike most records I’ve read,” Romana said.

  “Yes, I know. That is the truest faith a person can have – to speak the truth of God even at the cost of one’s own physical life. That is the sacrifice he rewards the greatest, as it models the ultimate sacrifice, that of His Son, who died to save all souls from sin,” Lady Onora said.

  “How does this answer the question about Fantine? She is powerful, and influential. Her words against God are heard loud and clear, far and wide,” Romana asked.

  “We must pay tribute to true faith. With a resplendent memorial – a city in her honor – we should commemorate her sacrifice for all the world to see. The truth is written here in Emeth, in the halls of knowledge, but few people ever come here to read them. Instead, let’s bring the truth to them. Let’s have a city that is a brilliant, shining monument to the woman who spoke her faith in the One True God against a godless king, who rules no more and to whom there is no monument,” Lady Onora said.

  “You want this to outshine anything Fantine has done?” Romana asked.

  “Better than that: I want it to be more outspoken than anything she has said, to outlast anything else she builds and I want her to build it. Let’s turn her abilities to a cause for good, praising God. If we don’t do this, then someone else will put her to work for their own, godless causes,” Lady Onora said.

  “That is bold, I must admit,” Romana said.

  “When it comes to speaking the truth of God, we must be bold,” Lady Onora said.

  “Wait? Who is going to pay for this city?” Romana asked.

  “Who do we want to visit the city?” Lady Onora asked.

  “Everyone,” Romana said.

  “Exactly. Let everyone pay for it. In the place where she laid down her life, a new port city will rise up. She lived in Meridianus, on the eastern coast, if I remember correctly,” Lady Onora said.

  “That’s right,” Romana said.

  “That would put the city on the coast of the Pirovalen Ocean. Only a few hundred miles to the east is the island with the central bank. The bankers would gladly finance a large port city in return for a share of its commerce. The more visitors the city has, the more commerce the bank will profit from, which will be their reward,” Lady Onora said.

  “The banks are not trustworthy – they love money instead of God,” Romana said.

  “That is true, but in their quest for profit, they will inevitably build a city anyway, and it will be a city of lies: the lie that money is all that matters. As this city of true faith receives more visitors, then more people will learn the Truth of God, and come to grow in faith,” Lady Onora said.

  “I will be there to Chronicle it. However, Ximenez should also be there,” Judith said.

  “Absolutely, I agree. I will find Ximenez and tell him what we are going to do,” Lady Onora said.

  “What can I do to help? You seem to have a very definite idea in mind,” Romana asked.

  “Get even more financial backers involved. The more stakeholders there are in the city, the more people who will visit it. This is not a city to be hidden in obscurity, but to shine brightly, with the message of the Word of God. The whole world needs to hear this message, throughout every continent and across every ocean,” Lady Onora said.

  “I can return to Revod, and ask if the Jenaldej Empire would contribute,” Romana said.

  “Let me come with you,” Judith said.

  “Don’t leave my side for a moment,” Romana said.

  “I will visit Fantine, and discuss the design with her. First, however, I will contact Ximenez and request his presence,” Lady Onora said.

  “Should we meet again here in a few days?” Romana asked.

  “No, meet us in eastern Meridianus, in thirty (30) days,” Lady Onora said.

  ~~~

  Romana paid two (2) platinum coins to book passage on a ship sailing northeast across the Medathero Ocean, heading from Emeth toward Revod. She was accompanied by Judith, who traveled for free, as was customary for Chroniclers of the Oath.

  When they arrived at the northeastern coast of Revod, inland riverboats took them to the castle that was the military academy. Romana led the way to the office of Imperial Prince Trahaearn, finding the door closed. She knocked and the door was opened. Romana entered, followed by Judith.

  “Romana, have your scholarly duties in Emeth ended already?” Prince Trahaearn asked after she entered and he closed the door.

  “They are in abeyance because I came to discuss an important financial opportunity,” Romana said

  “Please, elaborate on the details,” Prince Trahaearn said after sitting down at his desk.

  “There is a project underway to employ the architect, Fantine, to construct a new port city on the eastern coast of Meridianus, facing the Pirovalen Ocean. The central bank is to be a primary financial backer, covering the expenses and partaking in the revenue. However, there is an invitation for a more diverse group of financial backers to share in the risk and the reward,” Romana said.

  “This is very interesting – you were right to bring this to my attention, of course. However, I must consult with our chief resource coordinator, Nathan, before committing any resources to this,” Prince Trahaearn said.

  “Please do, Your Imperial Majesty. This project is proceeding as we speak,” Romana said.

  Prince Trahaearn stood up from his chair and opened the office door. Moments later he returned with Nathan, closing the door behind them. Trahaearn sat at his desk once again, hoping to facilitate the discussion.

  “What opportunity do you wish to discuss?” Nathan asked.

  “A new port city, on the eastern coast of Meridianus, will soon be constructed by the architect, Fantine. The central bank will be the primary financial backer and share in revenues from the commerce,” Romana said.

  “Meridianus is a key agricultural region, as well as a valuable auxiliary mining region. My answer will be a quantitative affirmative, but I would need to see specific numbers related to the city’s size and costs, to calculate our contribution and risk levels,” Nathan said.

  Be bold. Lady Onora’s words resounded in Romana’s head.

  “The city’s design is underway, and the construction will soon begin, with or without us. You could calculate your own numbers, and put together a contract with conditions and formulae, defining the ownership percentage and revenue sharing plan for the Jenaldej Empire. That could allow you to adapt to the particular parameters, and ensure that our risks are commensurate with our rewards,” Romana said.

  “I could do that, of course. You seem very eager to make something happen, without a p
recise description of that something. The general principle of this city is sound, but details are essential. What is your personal urgency?” Nathan asked.

  “The central bank’s influence is growing with the help of the architect and her constructor, so we must rise to meet that influence, and do so quickly, if we are to remain competitive participants in the world’s marketplaces. Our resource management calculations are peerless, so the Jendalej Empire stands to gain, with a properly specified contract. I was in the right place at the right time to learn of this plan, so I made haste to report it to you,” Romana said.

  “You were on Haza’Kedro’Maral Island, then?” Nathan asked.

  “No. I was in Emeth. What other right place or time is there to learn anything?” Romana asked.

  Judith smiled at this, concealing a laugh.

  “Nathan, can a conditional contract, with formulae, be written? Something that protects our interests, but without missing an investment opportunity?” Prince Trahaearn asked.

  “Give me until tomorrow. I want to consult some of our commerce records and make some risk calculations. The contract needs to be agreeable to the central bank at the same time that it is satisfactory for us. They have different risk and reward parameters, so I will need to solve systems of equations, after defining those systems of equations, of course,” Nathan said.

  “I have a small apartment here. It will be enough for both of us. Let’s rest for the night,” Romana said. She and Judith returned to Romana’s quarters in the castle and discussed more of Judith’s thoughts.

  ~~~

  Lady Onora approached the Library of Tedorik and saw a gathering of Chroniclers turning in their books to the Verifiers. Among them was Ximenez, and she approached him.

  “Ximenez, can we speak?” Lady Onora asked.

  “Please do,” Ximenez said.

  “There is an interesting opportunity underway. A new port city is to be constructed, in eastern Meridianus, facing the Pirovalen Ocean. I will be going to the Port of Kemalorin in Baradaxa at once. I wish to meet with the architect, Fantine, to discuss its design, and have you chronicle the discussion,” Lady Onora said.