“Brothers, Sisters and Friends, be welcomed!” Rhuna turned towards the familiar voice and saw Beacon of the Night standing on a pedestal at one of the narrow ends of the room. He wore a dark robe with a hood, which cast deep shadows across his face. Rhuna noticed that his green eyes sparkled with reflections of the flickering light in front of him, and she thought that in this moment his eyes shone like beacons in the black of night.
Silence fell upon the cavernous room, followed by the shuffling of feet as people found a place to sit and listen. Rhuna quickly returned to Aradin and Lozira, who were already seated near the back of the room.
“We are gathered once more in the secretive cover of darkness,” Beacon of the Night began, his speech strong and deliberate. The sudden silence of the audience in the gloomy stone dungeon sent a chill up Rhuna’s spine.
“On this occasion, for the benefit of Newcomers and specially invited guests, we shall summarize our accomplishments, our goals and purpose,” Beacon of the Night continued. Rhuna glanced aside and saw utter devotion on her daughter’s face, her eyes not straying a moment from the man she adored. A painful despair filled Rhuna as she recalled Shandi’s traumatic vision of Lozira crying.
“In the beginning, our members were scattered across distant lands, and the Atlan Council of Safu was executed at the order of The Reigning One,” Beacon of the Night said, and Rhuna recalled the horror of that day. “It was necessary to commence afresh, after these pioneering Brothers fell into selfish and unethical ways, bringing the Master’s name into even greater disgrace. And so, we have begun anew, as the Guardians of Knowledge, holding the secrets of the Master in high regard as we continue his great work.
“Brothers, Sisters and Friends! Our precepts are superior to those of Atlán! Force is necessary! Resistance is necessary! Action is vital! Nothing can be accomplished without action; nothing can be achieved without some force and resistance to the restrictive limitations set upon us by the High Council of Atlán!”
Beacon of the Night paused for a moment as people clapped or nodded their approval.
“It is incomprehensible foolishness to condemn the New Knowledge!” he continued with renewed vigour. “Their stubborn refusal to adapt and change shall lead to their own demise in the near future when the younger generations are born without any Atlan abilities.”
“Therefore, the future of the Atlan legacy is in our hands, Brothers, Sisters and Friends! We must bear the heavy responsibility of carrying forward the knowledge to provide acceptable standards of living, lest humankind reverts to living a mere step above animals. Inhabitants of some remote and isolated lands have stagnated and reversed into such savagery, and their life has reduced to mere survival in wilderness among animals.”
Rhuna recalled her childhood on the remote island of Chinza, where the Zao people lived a primitive life and struggled to survive. She shuddered at the thought of living her entire life on Chinza without even knowing of a much better world beyond the horizon. A deep pang of guilt distracted her thoughts as she realized how grateful she was to Tozar for rescuing her from such a dismal fate.
“Their inaction shall cause them to stagnate in the mire of their own self-righteous verbosity!” Beacon of the Night spoke triumphantly, then paused to allow the audience to laugh, clap and cheer.
“Let us not forget to whom we owe our state of enlightenment, Brothers, Sisters and Friends! Gatherer of Sage, known in the entire Atlan Empire as ‘the Dark Master’ has shown us the way, and indeed, continues to guide us!”
Rhuna was shocked by the words spoken by Beacon of the Night, as well as the audience’s reactions to them. She had never heard such things before, and wondered how she and her fellow Observers had overlooked the important matter of the Dark Ones’ precepts and ideals.
“His work continues in ethereal realms, while we, on this material plane, accomplish the necessary tasks to nourish his Ethereal Being, namely the spilling of small animal blood to release the life force which is transformed into sustaining ethereal energy.”
During the brief pause, the audience clapped and murmured words of support and approval.
“Recounting our accomplishments thus far,” Beacon of the Night said, then paused for effect. “We are working surreptitiously with the new generation of Atlans who do not possess traditional powers, and who seek to imitate works of the First Atlans with work of the hands; namely devices, contraptions, chemical reactions, energy converted and conveyed to cause movement. Lightning Force energy, like the lightning in the skies, shall be contained and controlled to heat and soften stone, then to move heavy metal knives and saws to cut and mould the stone. Soon we shall have the ability to build pyramids like the First Atlans without any of their given skills of mental powers of elemental transformation!”
The audience clapped again. “Furthermore, we are making great advances in other directions as yet unknown to the Atlans, which makes us superior, just as our Master is superior. Levitation, mind control over others, manipulation of matter, advances in alchemy, herbs, new sciences of physics, mathematics and sound – sonic energy to cause weightlessness, instead of mental manipulation of the Forces used by the First Atlans.”
“This ensures that the Atlan ways may continue into the distant future, even when there are no more Atlans born with traditional mental powers. This combined Knowledge of the First Atlans and our Great Master must continue to survive through generations, to guide the world of mankind, to provide the necessary structures and provisions for a comfortable and rewarding life for every individual.”
“However, Brothers, Sisters and Friends; a problem looms on the horizon!” Beacon of the Night said with a sudden raised voice, and Rhuna felt the attention of everyone in the room sharpen in anticipation.
“The people of the Land of Ubanti desire our Knowledge for their own use!” Rhuna sensed the rush of low whispers sweeping across the audience as Beacon of the Night paused.
“This must not occur!” he shouted. “The Knowledge we have developed, with great effort and sacrifice, long days of experiments and frustrations to reach our goals, all under the guidance of our Grand Master who leads us from ethereal realms. This Knowledge must remain under the control of a select few – you, my Brothers and Sisters – who are competent in the responsible use of this Great Knowledge. Any other course of action would be like throwing pearls to swine!” Beacon of the Night said with angry outrage, and the audience responded with shouts of approval. “They would destroy others and themselves by the misuse and abuse of this Knowledge. It therefore must, at all costs, remain the possession of our people, The Guardians of Knowledge!”
Rousing cheers and claps erupted and reverberated in the close confines of the subterranean room.
Beacon of the Night held up his hands for silence.
“We have successfully intercepted attempts by Ubanti emissaries to gain knowledge of our work,” he continued in a normal tone. “Some have experienced debilitating ailments; others have encountered mishaps, even attacks by crocodile and hippopotamus, so that they are becoming afraid to venture into the land of Safu. We shall continue to prevent the Ubanti from approaching Safu for the purpose of acquiring our Knowledge.
“It is our utmost privilege to safeguard this Great Knowledge, which the Great Master himself discovered, developed and delivered to us, now from The Infinite. Once he was Gatherer of Sage, then condemned and called The Dark Master, and although deceased in body, his Consciousness lives in realms beyond this material world.
“It is a reciprocal relationship. We provide life force energy to sustain his Ethereal Being, in return for his infinite knowledge and wisdom which guide us, and which in turn shall eventually guide the entire world of humankind!”
Claps and cheers broke out again, lasting longer than before, and Rhuna realized it was the end of his address. As she looked around at the faces, she was shocked to recognize more than a few of them, including women with whom she had a passing acquaint
ance in Safu.
“What a superb speech!” said an Atlan man seated behind her. “You are Newcomers, I believe. Allow me to introduce myself,” the amiable man said as he began a lengthy, enthusiastic account of how he became one of the Guardians of Knowledge.
Beacon of the Night approached them and looked intently at Lozira. Rhuna stepped up beside her to prevent him from speaking to her.
“May we have a private discussion in the side chamber,” Beacon of the Night said, directing them into a dim room with a low ceiling. Inside, Rhuna saw seating cushions and a low table with various odd items on it.
“Shall you not reveal to me your secret Knowledge, in exchange for gaining ours?” Beacon of the Night asked Rhuna.
“No,” she replied firmly.
“Do we not share the same goals and purpose?”
“Not at all!” Rhuna protested. “For one thing, I believe that Atlan Knowledge can be placed in the capable hands of certain non-Atlan individuals who are responsible and have advanced education.”
“Then the pursuit of higher Knowledge, always gaining and growing, developing higher skills and understanding…” Beacon of the Night suggested, and Rhuna thought of Damell and the Extended Consciousness techniques she had been learning.
“Yes, yes, maybe,” she admitted carefully.
“With regard to resistance and the use of force, you yourself have demonstrated that these are necessary at times,” Beacon of the Night argued, and Rhuna reluctantly agreed.
“You see, we are not at such opposing sides after all!” Beacon of the Night stated.
“We have been observing what you do, how you have inflicted pain and ailments on innocent people, and this is something we would never do!” Rhuna said angrily.
“So, there is also a group of you,” Beacon of the Night said nodding. “Perhaps your group can be allied with the Guardians of Knowledge, and be united in purpose. A sword sharpening another sword, each checking the other,” Beacon of the Night said seriously with an intent stare. “It would be the best outcome for everyone, Rhuna.”
“Don’t use my personal name!” Rhuna shot back. “We’re not family and far from close or intimate friends!”
“We do not believe in this formality and distance,” Beacon of the Night explained in his irritating casual tone. “We call each other Brothers and Sisters, and use our personal names. My personal name is Goram. You may address me thus. It strengthens and deepens the bonds between us, which is necessary under these circumstances.”
“What circumstances do you mean?” asked Rhuna.
“A strong united force against the Atlans and other individuals who oppose us, try to undermine us, perhaps even sabotage our activities,” he answered.
“If you have such a united brotherhood, then why did you ask me to hide my face when I came here tonight?” Rhuna asked. “Didn’t you tell your brothers about me, and that I have knowledge of your secret activities?”
“You assume correctly,” Beacon of the Night stated flatly. “There was no need to inform them at this time. My connection with you is through Lozira, and as such, it is my personal matter.”
“Let’s go home,” said Aradin as he ushered Rhuna to the door of the small side room.
“I want to stay with Goram for a while so that we can talk,” Lozira said to Rhuna.
After a long moment of silence, Rhuna reluctantly turned to leave the chamber and let Aradin place a comforting arm around her as they left the strange building.
“I wonder why he wants to keep his involvement with Lozira secret from the others?” she whispered to Aradin as they ascended the dark stairs. She felt his silent shrug, and then welcomed the fresh, flowing air as the door to the outside world opened for them.
In her safe and conformable home, Rhuna paced around restlessly, anxiety for her daughter mounting as she thought of her being alone with Beacon of the Night.
“I’ll wait for Lozira,” she told Aradin, and kissed him good night. When the house was dark and quiet, she decided to summon a mental vision of the events that took place after she and Aradin left Lozira in the subterranean meeting hall. She sat in the Inside Focussing position and soon felt her mind calm and quieten before focussing her thoughts on Lozira. She heard the gentle hum of the vibration that always accompanied her mental visions, and then she watched the images unfolding in her mind. The image of the dimly-lit room appeared immediately, and she saw Lozira looking at Beacon of the Night as he approached to stand in front of her, his eyes exuding a powerful emotion which startled Rhuna.
“You are disappointed in me?” he asked in a quiet voice.
“No, not at all!” Lozira replied emphatically. “I was surprised…and a little frightened…”
“There is nothing to fear!” Beacon of the Night said quickly. “We are in control of these powers, just as Atlan Masters utilize their powers with responsibility and caution,” he said, and then reached out to hold Lozira’s hands in his. “So…this has not changed anything between us?” he asked with anxious anticipation. Rhuna thought that she sensed the man’s deep emotional turmoil at this moment.
“No, of course not,” Lozira whispered. “I…I understand better, and admire and respect what you do,” she added slowly.
Rhuna saw the intense relief experienced by Beacon of the Night, and then observed the emotions that surged across his face as he raised his arms to embrace Lozira.
“I love you, no matter what you do,” whispered Lozira as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Rhuna felt the vision torn away by her emotional reaction to her daughter’s words and the strong emotions that accompanied the images. She stood up and began to pace around the room again for a while. After busying herself with mundane chores around the house, she became increasingly restless as the night progressed, and decided to observe Lozira with her Extended Consciousness.
Reclining on the plush cushions in the main chamber of her house, Rhuna forced the tension out of her body in order to allow her Consciousness to be released. She realized that her concern for Lozira interfered with the process, but her emotional need to be with her daughter helped her to overcome the obstacles.
Finally floating freely above her motionless body, Rhuna willed her Extended Consciousness to be with Lozira, and in an instant, she recognized the house of Beacon of the Night. She directed her Consciousness to the area she sensed emotions emanating, and found herself floating above two naked forms on a bed by dim candlelight.
Rhuna saw her daughter lying on her back with her head tilted back, her arms and legs wrapped around Beacon of the Night as he sensuously kissed the side of her neck. Her eyes were closed and her parted lips released sweet moans of ecstasy, while all around Rhuna saw colours of blues, reds and purples, swirling in tight coils as flashes of gold and silver light sparked in rhythm.
Rhuna felt shaken to the core, and her Extended Consciousness thumped clumsily back into her physical body. She bolted upright with a groan and panted with heavy emotion as dismay and defeat washed through her. She remained seated in the dark silence of the main room and waited for Lozira’s return.
At last she heard footsteps approach the door, and she turned to look as Lozira entered.
“You waited for me?” Lozira said with apprehension as she stopped.
“I just wanted to know if everything went all right,” she said carefully.
“It doesn’t change anything,” Lozira said softly. “Whatever he does, I still love him.” Rhuna saw the glow of love radiate from her face.
“I also wanted to say that whatever you do, whatever happens,” Rhuna said, with a tremor in her voice. “…I’ll always be your mother and will always want be part of your life, share your feelings – good and bad… like before, when you told me about your feelings for Goram. I hope you can always feel free to come to me and tell me everything…”
Lozira rushed towards Rhuna and embraced her.
“Is everything reall
y all right?” Rhuna asked gently as she stroked her hair and held her tight. Lozira pulled back to look into Rhuna’s face and nodded firmly.
“Yes, really,” she said softly, a tear gathering in her eye.
“It’s hard for me to step back and let you go,” Rhuna said as tears threatened to choke her words. “…but I love and respect you, and have to accept that I can’t control how you feel, and can’t live your life for you.”
Lozira looked startled as she thought about her mother’s words.
“I never thought about how it must be for you, as a mother,” she said, and returned the embrace.
During the following days, Rhuna made it part of her daily routine to observe Lozira and Beacon of the Night by means of the Gazing of the Waters. The images she saw were similar every day, despite showing different surroundings and circumstances. One day, Rhuna recognized The Reigning One’s beautiful and tranquil Sanctuary Gardens, and another day they were on a barge on the Great River, but always touching or holding hands. They embraced for a long time, spoke softly as their cheeks touched, and kissed often. Rhuna thought she had never seen a couple so absorbed in each other and blissfully oblivious of their surroundings.
Lozira’s face glowed and radiated love every morning as she left the house early, and returned to share the evening meal with Rhuna and the family. Every evening she allowed Shandi to comb her hair, and when her little sister tired of combing, Lozira played with her a while before taking her to her cot and waiting until she fell asleep.
One evening, as Rhuna began to prepare for the meal, she told Aradin about her concern for Lozira’s immediate future.
“Sun of the Morning is determined to force Lozira to return to Atlán,” she said. “But what could they really do, besides talk and threaten?”
“Right now, nothing at all – the entire Council is bed-ridden!” Aradin said. “The client who just left told me about it.”
Rhuna, The Star Child Page 19
