by Alex Davis
'My brothers, my sisters, I have spoken much for many sunups about the Animex. At First Worship, we started down a most important road, taking our first steps towards the discovery of what gives us pleasure. Each one of us chose their own path.'
Apius is pleased to see a few nods and subtle grins among the crowd. They remember it well, and the shame that immediately followed it is now eradicated.
'I have been keeping a secret from you, brothers and sisters. But I have only kept this secret because I had to do so, until the time was right. You may have wondered where these sermons emerged from. The Animex have delivered their words and wishes to me. And I have not just heard them – I have committed them to page. Before me, on this very altar, sits the masterwork of Animexianism. I have worked beneath both sun and moons to create this book, with the help of the gods themselves! No longer will the way of the Animexian be merely spoken, but we will be able to read these words, share them with all Noukari. I give you my gift – The Book of Apius!'
The crowd surges to their feet, applauding furiously, cheering at the top of their voices. The cacophony of sound must surely reach even the ears of the distant gods. Apius lets them have their moment, bowing to his flock before bidding them back to silence. The din takes some time to cease.
'And this sunup I must read to you a most important section of this tome. We have talked much about the gods themselves, but what of us? The Animex have given so much to us freely, and as yet all we have been able to return is our praise. Is there more we can do? Can we make our fathers proud of their children? We have taken belief close to our hearts, but we must also let this belief come through in our actions. And so I give you... The Way of the Animexian.'
Apius opens the book and begins to read.
'What is it to be a true Animexian? It means many things, and is far more than a simple belief...
The end of his sermon does not see the end of the day's work for Apius. There are few who drift off after he closes his reading, but many stay behind to talk to the Re'Nuck and to see the book for themselves. He watches over the text as though it were a child, and he knows it is every bit as precious. But he need not worry. His followers are as reverent with the volume as he is, perhaps more so. They turn pages by the corner only, breathing in every word. A small crowd gathers to see the wisdoms imparted there. Those not reading the book bombard the Re'Nuck with questions about it. How did he find the time to write it? How long has he been working on the volume? Why was it essential that the book be kept a secret? He knows that this is the easiest of all to answer.
'In the days when I began this work, our religion was young, and there was much suspicion surrounding it. If the knowledge of the book were to come out, how would the non-believers have acted? There is still danger surrounding Animexianism, as long as there are those who oppose us.'
'But surely now...' Hilius begins.
'Now we are stronger, yes. Our numbers swell, and this book grants us more unity than ever before. But do not doubt there are those who would see our religion fail. We must always remain true to our beliefs, and work to change those who have not accepted Animexianism yet.'
One by one the curious drift off, leaving only Apius and his closest of companions alone.
'It is wonderful to finally see the book, Re'Nuck.'
'It is wonderful to show the book, Viarus. The people needed to see it.'
'Of course, Re'Nuck.'
'I would like to thank you, Viarus.'
'Thank me? What for?'
'I have not forgotten our conversations before this temple even stood. You granted me the title of Re'Nuck, and for that I owe you much. That day I took the first steps on this journey. But I must also thank you for not spreading gossip about this book.'
'I would never have breathed a word, Re'Nuck.'
'I know. I felt safe in telling you. And I should have you do me another service, Viarus.'
'Anything you wish, Re'Nuck.'
'I should like you to come to my hut after each sermon, beginning next sunup.'
'To what purpose?'
'It is important that I do not let this original out of my sight. But it is also crucial that this provides us a way to spread our gospel even further.'
'Of course.'
'So I should like you to come to me and begin to create a copy of this book. And after that another copy. And another after that, until we have enough to give to each believer!'
'It shall be an honour, Re'Nuck.'
'Then it is all the better you should do it.'
'Do you think this will be the final step in converting all of Genem?'
'I hope so, Viarus. I tire of the doubters.'
'Tire of them, Re'Nuck?'
'I should not say such a thing. But as much as the prayers and welcomes from my followers warm me, the ignorance and cold attitude of the others chills me to the bone.'
'Nothing should make you feel that way, Re'Nuck. It is incredible work you do. It will make their worship – when it comes – all the sweeter to hear.'
'Thank you, Viarus. Somehow you always seem to find just the right words.'
'Yes, Re'Nuck.'
Apius is finally alone in his temple, and collapses wearily into a seat. The sermon and all that followed it have left him drained. His attitude to Animexianism is tireless, but the demands on his attention equally are endless. Perhaps the creation of this book will make his work easier.
Confrontations
Asha bids Ajerus a final thank you, but is pleased to leave. It was generous of Ajerus to forget their argument in the fields in her moment of need. But if she had expected less tension than at her own home she was sorely mistaken – Harila had given her the coldest of welcomes, and continued this throughout the moonlit hours. Ajerus had done his best to smooth relations, but it had not worked. Harila kept returning only to one subject – why Asha was there at all.
For now all she can focus on is repairing things with Zerial, and restoring peace in her home.
'Asha! Asha, I would like to speak to you!'
She turns to the direction of the voice. A man approaches keenly, reaching our to take her by the arm, but Asha pulls away from this stranger.
'Who are you?'
'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have approached you like that. We have not yet had the chance to meet.'
'Well introduce yourself now.'
'Of course. My name is Viarus. I am a... close friend of the Re'Nuck.'
'You mean Apius?'
'I mean the Re'Nuck.'
'Very well. So what are you here to discuss.'
'I am here to talk about your behaviour towards the Re'Nuck.'
'I do not consider anything wrong in my behaviour.'
'You have been very aggressive towards him.'
'I have spoken my mind, nothing more. If your Re'Nuck cannot stand any criticism, then perhaps he is not best suited to the role.'
'The Re'Nuck does not deserve criticism, especially from you. He is leading us down a great path.'
'And what makes you think that the gods want to be close to us? If they sought to keep us close at hand, why are we down here on Noukaria rather than by their side?'
'I am not going to talk religion with a disbeliever.'
'Ah, so you are also unable to swallow any challenge?'
'You speak of that which you do not understand. The Re'Nuck's wisdom is wasted on you.'
'I have heard plenty of the Re'Nuck's words, and seen what your religion is about. I have seen him bring out the worst in our people. You claim to be growing closer to the gods, but the road you are on leads you only to darkness. That is what I understand, what I know.'
'You know nothing. I cannot believe the words you have spoken. Many doubt, many have misgivings, many are cautious. That is natural. Where does this resistance in you come from, Asha?'
'From being the only person strong enough to speak out. No-one will act against you because they are afraid.'
'So you intend to act against us?'
'As I have already done so, yes. I have tried to discourage you and your believers, and have met with the same ignorance and stubbornness you show.'
'That is merely to speak against us. Words can only do so much.'
'We have already seen how much words can do.'
'So you intend to do more?'
'Perhaps. I intend to stop you and the insanity you have dubbed Animexianism. If I can do that with talk, I am happy to leave it there. If it takes more, I am willing to go further.'
'There are many who would oppose you.'
'Perhaps there are more who would support me than you think. You assume superiority, that your religion has power because of a vast temple and a crowd hearing empty words. There are many more people here in Genem. We have always been a society where none seek to rise above their station. Apius has put paid to that.'
'The Re'Nuck has risen through the strength of his belief, his communion with the gods.'
'Just ensure that you – and your Re'Nuck – stay out of my way. I do not give up easily.'
'The Re'Nuck will hear of this. And all his followers shall know to. You have entered something you cannot possibly win.'
'We shall see.'
***
When she arrives at her hut, she sees her Hasban still laid in the furs on the floor. For a moment she takes him as being asleep, but he turns sharply to face her. She can see that he has been crying, a telltale redness around the eyes, and her heart softens.
'You're back,' he says icily.
'I wanted to come back and apologise.'
'And what are you apologising for?'
'Everything. My behaviour, my words.'
'And your thoughts, don't forget those. I know exactly where you were last night. I am no fool.'
'I wandered around for a while...'
'...before you ran to him, of course.'
'Ajerus? I did not run to him. I was lost... I did not know what to do.'
'But he was first on your mind. As I am sure you are first on his.'
'What are you implying, Zerial?'
'I shall say it outright. I am your Hasban, and you are supposed to talk to me, whatever the difficulty might be. We should seek to solve whatever problems we have amongst ourselves, not by drawing others in. What did you tell him?'
'Very little. His wefi was not welcoming.'
'Of a second woman in her house? Such a surprise. There are many in Genem who would gladly have taken you in. Even a night underneath the moons would have done you no harm. But you went to him, because you are in love with him!'
'Ajerus? Surely you jest? He is a damned Animexian!'
'But still, this connection is there. This is why you went to him, and this is why he welcomed you. Why must you tinker with that we have so little knowledge of? By opening your mind to him you have opened yourself in an unfamiliar way.'
'I do not love him, Zerial.' Asha speaks low and with candour.
'Perhaps it is not love. That name would not be fitting to it. You are drawn to him, tied together, the two of you. Despite the differences between you...'
'It is not love!'
'No, I believe it is something much deeper. Last night I made some difficult decisions.'
'Decisions? What are you talking about?'
'I have asked some friends to help build me a new home, far from here. There are men alone among us, even some women who live on their own. Such a thing is not unheard of.'
'You are leaving? Such a thing is not even allowed!'
'It is not disallowed either. Nowhere is it written.'
'You cannot do this, Zerial. We can fix things.'
'I do not share that belief. I should have enough shelter for a few sunups, and by that time a functioning home. I shall not return to you tonight, or ever. Nor shall I address you as wefi again.'
'We must talk about this...'
'We have talked more than enough. You will not listen to sense, and pursue a road far from my own. For that reason, I must go. I used to love you, Asha. That is the worst of it all.'
His final words said, Zerial gets up leaves the hut.
The place now seems more foreboding and terrifying than ever. Her hut. Not theirs, not even Zerial's. Just hers.
There are duties awaiting her, in the fields. There is work to be done, responsibilities to be fulfilled. Everyone must carry out their role.
But all Asha can do right now is cry. Cry, cry until it feels as though the tears must end, but still they continue.
She has lost everything in her own life. And Genem soon stands to lose everything it has.
She knows that the time has come to act. Not to talk, but to act.
Facing Conflict
Apius had heard the news, but not seen fit to give it credit. On the very edge of Genem, a simple new hut was coming together. But it would be a home, soon enough.
He approaches tentatively, uncertain of what kind of welcome to expect, but determined to come and offer promises and reassurance. With a delicate knock, the figure sits up, blinking away the last of sleep.
'Hello? Who is it?'
'Zerial? I have come to pay you a visit at this dark hour. My name is Re'Nuck.'
'Your name is Apius.'
Apius chuckles. 'You sound much life your wefi. Remarkable it has come to this.'
'What do you want so soon after sunup? Do you not have a congregation waiting for you?'
'Of course. But my succour is not only reserved for the masses. Many people have sought me out, and I have seen them individually, to offer what comfort I can.'
'I have not sought you out. And I doubt there is any comfort you could offer.'
'I did nothing personally to either you or Asha. We have never even spoken!'
'You have spoken more than enough to Asha. Get out of here, Apius. I tire of words. Words on top of more words. They have brought me nothing but misery.'
'It all depends what lay in the words...'
'You do not hear me. No-one seems to hear me. I have no wish to speak to you. When I wish to speak, it will be with someone without their own interests at heart. Take your gods, and your robes, and your fine words and begone.'
'I had hoped...'
Apius is unable to finish the sentence, for in moments a disrobed Zerial is out of his furs and bearing down upon him. Grasping the collar of his robe, Zerial lifts the Re'Nuck from his feet so that the two of them are eye to eye. The intensity in those pupils unsettles the helpless Apius.
'I will... be... heard, Re'Nuck. Are you so used to filling the air that you have forgotten how to listen? You will go from my hut. You will go about your life. I will go about mine. And we shall not cross paths again.'
Apius can only spit out the simplest of words.
'If... that... is what you wish.'
Rather than releasing the Re'Nuck gently, he throws him bodily to the floor. Apius rises slowly. He wants to say something more but, lacking words, he leaves Zerial to his lonely existence.
As Apius crosses Genem for the temple, he as always dispenses his blessings and his words from the gods. But today they are far more rote than usual, falling back on his more practiced lines. His followers seem pleased to hear them nonetheless, and he is able to force a smile onto his face as he speaks and listens. Does he listen, truly listen? He had always thought so, but his altercation with Zerial has left him doubting himself. His followers are precious to him, and he values them immensely. He knows that all he has achieved would have been impossible without them. But does he value them as individuals, or as a mass?
Apius also realises just how close he had come to being the recipient of violence. Until he had seen the fighters at First Worship, he would never have considered such a thing possible. Perhaps they still meet to fight, like so many keeping their pleasures a delightful secret among them.
As he finally reaches the temple, there is only on
e thought in his mind – could one of the Noukari actually kill another?
***
Apius takes a moment to refocus as he enters the temple, stepping calmly and slowly through his congregation. As he reaches the altar, he pauses a moment before speaking. 'My brothers and sisters...'
He musters just four words before the door swings open with a clang, pushing some of the crowd at the back of the temple aside with pure force. Apius hates to see that all the attention in the room, even his own, is fixed to the doorway and the figure standing there. He knows the face all too well.
Asha.
However this version of Asha is unlike any he has seen before. Zerial had appeared on the very edge of something, something dark. Asha's has surely succumbed to that darkness. She stands naked, her body is covered in mud. This gives her the look of a grey phantom, something dead and dangerous. Apius has only once seen a corpse, that of a Vopal, and the colour reminds him of that deathly tone. In one hand she holds the wooden rake which is the symbol of her work. But it is her eyes that are the most arresting – they stare brazenly around the room, and then directly at Apius, with a baleful gaze belying their blue beauty. With her stance, she dares anyone to approach her.
None do.
'Apius!' she cries, and his followers shrink away. For the first time in his temple, the Re'Nuck feels out of control.
'This ends now, Apius.'
'Ends, sister?'
'Do not call me sister. I will have no place among the sisters and brothers in these walls. I will not follow your infected creed.'
'You dare profane in this building!'
'I dare. I will dare to do what I want in your house of lies.'
Asha treads through the central aisle, approaching the altar.
'I will not back down from you, Apius, as you are used to so many doing. I have no intention of bowing before you. You and your... religion have taken everything from me!'
'You mean your miserable Hasban? Hardly much of a loss!'
'How dare you speak of Zerial! He is twice the man you are!'
'Ask them. Ask my people who is the better man.'
'I do not need their opinion. I have stood by long enough and watched this travesty grow out of hand.'
