SPENCER CALLAGHAN : The Fight for Heaven and Earth

by Ryan Conway

"Mr. Callaghan, can you follow me, please?" she requested politely. "Master Xin is ready to see you now." Spencer looked over at Sean and Thomas, already resting in overstuffed chairs, and they both nodded in agreement. With that, Shin Li and Spencer departed the room, and she guided him back out to the main hall and up one of the flights of stairs leading up to the broad foyer. They entered a long hallway and proceeded down the corridor.

  "Has Master Xin been expecting me?" Spencer asked Shin Li.

  "Yes, for a long time," she responded with a smile, "but especially today." She opened a door at the far end of the hallway, revealing a large study. When Shin Li and Spencer entered, he saw the same man who had been meditating downstairs sitting in a chair reading a book under a lamp. "Master Xin?" Shin Li said. "Here is Spencer Callaghan as requested."

  Xin looked up from his book with a gracious smile. "Ah, welcome. Please enter." He put the book aside after carefully marking his place with a silk ribbon, then rose to give Spencer a bow.

  "Good evening, Master Xin, sir." Spencer tried to replicate his bow, making it lower than Xin's. He knew that in most cultures, you were supposed to bow more deeply to those of greater age and social level.

  "Good evening, Brother Callaghan," Master Xin reciprocated. "I'm very pleased to see that you have chosen to accept your new journey." He looked Spencer over. "And I understand your journey has been quite eventful thus far, to say the least."

  "Yes sir," Spencer answered anxiously. "It's been… pretty extreme today."

  "I also sense that you have a world of questions, as well as worries," Xin predicted.

  "Yes sir," Spencer repeated. "Even though Mr. Galloway and Thomas explained so much already, I feel like I have more questions than ever."

  "That is quite understandable. Brothers Galloway and Englewood are limited about that which they can tell you, given the circumstances and their background knowledge," Master Xin informed Spencer. "But hopefully, I can satisfy your curiosities and put your mind at ease."

  Master Xin slowly walked over to a small table, upon which sat a tray with a teapot and four tea cups. "Would you like a cup of tea? I find this kind calms the nerves after a long, arduous day."

  "Yes, please," Spencer responded. "I would love a cup."

  Master Xin proceeded to pour two cups of steaming tea.

  A thought struck Spencer. With his head slightly bowed, not sure how to proceed with a man called "Master," he asked, "Did you know my mother and father, Master Xin?"

  Master Xin finished pouring the second cup and set the teapot back down. Then he turned toward Spencer, holding two cups on saucers, and approached him in his slow, steady glide. "As a matter of fact, I knew them both quite well," Master Xin answered. "Your father once trained under my instruction." He placed the tea cups at the edge of his desk in front of Spencer.

  "Earlier today, I learned my parents' deaths weren't an accident." Spencer said. "I'd suspected that for years, but I didn't know that the Tamisichians were behind it. I didn't know they even existed."

  With a consoling expression, Master Xin said, "I'm sorry, Spencer. You've waited such a long time for this revelation. But if it helps, they died as heroes, saving uncountable numbers of lives."

  That did help; Spencer felt a little thrill of pride.

  "But this is true," Master Xin continued with a sigh. "It was a Tamisichian action."

  "Do you know who, exactly, among the Tamisichians carried out their murders?" Spencer inquired, scowling slightly. "Have they been caught or otherwise dealt with?"

  "I do not have an answer for you regarding the perpetrators," Master Xin replied regretfully.

  "So they were never brought to justice?"

  "A wise person recognizes the difference between justice and vengeance," Master Xin noted. "But I have a feeling you sense that difference already."

  Spencer looked down in slight shame. "Yes sir, I know they're different. But the line between them is kind of blurry sometimes."

  Master Xin smiled gently. "Indeed it is. But the difference between justice and vengeance can be recognized by the way they dwell in one's heart. Vengeance only burdens the heart and eats away at one's being; true justice seeks only rectification and balance. The heart loses itself to vengeance, but can actually strengthen itself with justice." Master Xin raised an eyebrow. "Your heart has not been lost, I see; please don't allow it to be, Brother."

  "What about finding closure?" Spencer asked.

  "In love there exists closure," Master Xin said. "Whoever acts through love will act justly and make the right decisions. And whoever sees with love shall always see closure. It is a tenet of Shanzenian culture, one our Satyarakshatians live by."

  Master Xin's statement sounded oddly familiar to Spencer, and he paused for a moment, trying to remember where and when he had heard such a profound statement. Then it finally dawned on him. "I think I read that in the Tao Te Ching, or a verse like it."

  "Oh—'Love finds what sages seek', " Master Xin said, demonstrating his knowledge of the classical text.

  Spencer marveled at his immediate association and recollection. "Yes, that's exactly what I read."

  Master Xin then finished reciting the rest of the verse, to Spencer's amazement. "'Body and mind disappear. Division and separation end. The being that is all overcomes the thinking that is little'." He smiled his genteel smile, then abruptly changed the focus of their discussion to Spencer. "So, young man, I understand you have just graduated from high school, near the top of your class. Excellent! I expected no less."

  "Yes sir, and I'll be starting college in the fall," Spencer announced.

  Spencer's mention of college piqued Master Xin's curiosity. "At which university have you enrolled?"

  "Isaac Francis Claremont," Spencer replied.

  "That's wonderful! It's actually not far from here, and is a magnificent institute," Master Xin replied. "I know your father attended Isaac Francis Claremont, as have many of my students."

  "Students? Were you a professor there?"

  "Oh, no," Master Xin laughed, "I taught at a different type of institution. But many of my apprentices in various forms of martial arts and ancient healing methods also studied at IFCU in other fields. Some of them are still enrolled in courses, and others even teach there." He looked up at Spencer. "So, what about you? What is your passion?"

  "I'm not sure yet," Spencer admitted, "but I'm thinking about something in the medical field."

  "Ah yes, that makes sense," Master Xin replied.

  Spencer was intrigued by Master Xin's response. "It does? Why is that?"

  "Oh, I just had a feeling," Master Xin said. "So many of us choose the healing arts; and besides, after dealing with so many students over such a long period of time, one notices certain patterns arise—and passions often reflect character."

  "I guess that does make sense." Spencer reached inside his collar and extracted the medallion on its cord, pulling it up over his head. "My father left this medallion for me a long time ago, Master Xin, but I just received it a few days ago." He handed the necklace to Master Xin and continued, "No one seems to know where it comes from, who it belonged to, or why my dad left it for me." A hopeful look lit up his face. "Do you know anything about it?"

  Master Xin appeared pleased and relieved to see the disk. "Ah yes, the amulet! I was hopeful you would bring it, and thought you would have questions about it as well."

  "So you were expecting me to bring this?"

  "I was one of the guides who had to make sure your father fulfilled his instructions," Master Xin replied.

  "To make sure I got the medallion?"

  "Yes, among other things," Master Xin responded. "But until now, I have never actually seen it myself." Xin held it up in the light and dangled it from its cord. "This is quite phenomenal. You're probably the only Nirmanian to have had this much exposure to our world without initiation… though by birth, I suppose you are actually Shanzenian."

  He looked at Spencer steadily. "You are in an un
usual position, Brother Callaghan," he said as he lowered the medallion. "But there is a reason for everything, and I believe you are meant to know and learn of our ways, to leave the Nirmanian world and live up to your birthright." Master Xin paused a moment as if in thought, and then continued, "For all things there is a time for moving forward, and a time for staying behind. For this reason, the wise avoid all extremes." He added a personal note: "It would be unwise in your case to conceal the greater reality from you. At least, the major aspects of it."

  Spencer perceived the philosophy of concealing reality from anyone as rather suspicious, so he immediately asked, "But why should any aspect of reality be concealed, Master Xin? Wouldn't it be to my benefit if I knew everything, to my fullest capacity of understanding?"

  "One might think that would be beneficial, but some things are not meant to be known until a particular level of wisdom and maturity has been reached, usually for one's own good." Master Xin's face became more pensive. "And often for the good of others as well. Do not try to overwhelm yourself, Spencer," he advised. "You are very eager to learn, I can tell, but you cannot learn it all at once. You will learn in due time."

  He looked steadily at his new apprentice, who was not yet fully aware he'd been granted that honor. "Whosoever is fully matured sets his heart and mind on the fruit rather than the flower, and prefers to cultivate what is on the inside instead of focusing on the outside," he noted. "You must cultivate yourself inside, Spencer. And we shall guide, teach, and reveal our world to you. That I can promise."

  Master Xin then drew Spencer's attention back to the medallion. "I can tell you that this medallion is more ancient than the Middle Kingdom itself, and the ancient engravings are an indication of the Great Brotherhood of Enlightenment."

  "The Brotherhood of Enlightenment?" Spencer echoed. "Who are they?"

  "An ancient brotherhood that practices and protects ancient wisdom—and they too are older than any nation in the world."

  "Are they part of the Shanzenian civilization?"

  "Not exactly. Their history is intertwined with Shanzenian history, however, and their influence runs strong in Shanzenia." He held the medallion up for Spencer to examine himself. "The grooves on the other side most likely have a mechanical purpose, such as operating a device, revealing a secret compartment, or even unlocking a door."

  "So it's a key, then," Spencer said, intrigued.

  Master Xin gave a single nod in agreement. "Of one kind or another, yes."

  "The day my uncle gave it to me, I thought it was just a unique piece of jewelry my dad had left for me, maybe an heirloom with a special family message to decipher," Spencer said. "But after being attacked by a monster and chased by Tamisichian agents through New York City, I'm honestly a little afraid of my new gift." He looked up from his amulet. "Why does the Brotherhood find it so important that I have this medallion?"

  "That secret resides with the Brotherhood itself," Master Xin answered calmly. "They must have a reason, though I confess I am not even entirely certain of its function." Master Xin once again altered the course of their conversation, with a perspicuity that surprised Spencer. "Do you still get headaches often?"

  Spencer blinked, trying not to show the depths of his shock. Few people outside his family knew about his headaches, though maybe Tom had reported them to the Master. "Uh, yes sir, sometimes… but it's kind of weird." Master Xin listened with curious intensity. "I mostly get the headaches when I hear senseless arguing, dubious reasoning, or outright lying about other people."

  "It is a talent of yours that is both a curse and a blessing, I suppose," Master Xin said. "In some ways, you are a living lie detector… At least when it comes to slander and false witness. It is an ability that you must learn to control; then you shall see what a blessing it can be."

  Closing his eyes lightly, Master Xin slightly turned his head to the side, as if receiving a premonition. After a short pause and a slight change in facial expression, he began to speak in a different tone. "I also sense you have already seen the other side.” Master Xin slowly reopened his eyes as they drifted back, as if from a daze. "The spirit world. Have you had any strange, otherworldly experiences recently, aside from the attack of this Tamisichian who calls himself Drake Fulton? Perhaps a traumatic incident or a vivid dream?"

  "I passed out and had to be hospitalized about a week ago, after the attack by Drake," he said. "It was in response to a visiting pastor's refusal to believe his friend could have done anything evil. His arguments didn't make sense, and then I was just overwhelmed… My Aunt Sandra told me that I died at one point . The doctors had given up on reviving me and had already pronounced me dead when my heart just started beating on its own." Without thinking, he touched his chest and side, where the defibrillator burns should have been. "I don't remember that part," he admitted. "I never felt like I died, or even knew they revived me, but I did have a strange dream during that time. Even though it was a totally different world, it seemed so real." He explained what had occurred in the dream, as well as he could remember it at this remove.

  "I am not surprised. And that reminds me." Master Xin reached into a desk drawer. "I have a task for you." He pulled out a small wooden box and placed it on the desk. "This is called the red marble test. Look inside this little box and remember what you see, Spencer." He slid the box over near Spencer and slowly pulled the lid open. "Just look inside. Don't take it out." Spencer glanced down into the wooden box and saw what looked like a shadowed blue marble. It nested in the fabric of a dark velvet interior.

  "It's actually a…"

  "No, don't say anything." Master Xin interrupted Spencer abruptly. "Don't tell me what you see. Just remember it; keep the image with you." Then, without looking at the contents of the box, Master Xin pushed the lid closed and put it back into the drawer.

  "Is there anything you would like to know before we join the others?" Master Xin asked.

  Spencer couldn't think of anything else at the moment, so he shook his head. "No sir. I'm sure I'll have more questions soon, but for now I'm satisfied, Master Xin. As new wonders arise, I suppose the questions will as well."

  "Good. You are showing patience despite your strong curiosity. Are you ready to rejoin the others?"

  "I'm ready if you are, Master Xin," Spencer replied.

  They both rose from the desk, and Master Xin accompanied Spencer out of his study, guiding him back downstairs to the dining hall where Sean and Tom waited for them. Master Xin greeted Sean, then introduced himself to Tom. He informed the group that they weren't staying at the mansion that night; they would be traveling with him to a Golatatvamian research center, and spending the night there before starting the next leg of their quest.

  "What is a Golatatvamian research center?" Spencer inquired.

  "Golatatvam is actually a philosophy." Tom answered. "It translates best as 'spherism' or 'spherical philosophy'. In the Manuvimal language, gola means sphere, and tatvam is a philosophy or way of life."

  Tom's explanation only left Spencer more curious. "I've never heard of such a term. What does it mean?"

  "Basically it's a notion based on the phenomenon that reality or existence proceeds in cycles, if that makes sense. Think of the universe, the cosmos, the Earth or atomic particles, or even time. They're all orbiting something, rotating, or both. In zero gravity, anything without a set form, like liquids, naturally becomes a sphere. So does fire, or any accretions of matter with enough gravity. And think of planets and solar systems. Most things are either rounded or spherical when left in a vacuum, though rarely perfectly so."

  "Interesting," Spencer commented.

  "It goes beyond nature. Every person has his and her own sphere or circular path," Tom continued. "So to follow your sphere in life is to be in accord with the Tao or the universe, or with God—call it what you will. Ultimately, they believe, there's one great sphere that we all must abide by; and then, you have your own sphere that you must abide by."

  Sean spoke up. "I'
ve worked at Golatatvamian centers before, Master Xin, but I didn't know there were any in the vicinity." He lifted an inquisitive eyebrow. "At which center are we overnighting?"

  "This one is in the mountains of northwest Canada," Master Xin replied. "So as you may appreciate, we must hurry. Everyone, please gather your belongings; we are leaving."

  Master Xin and Shin Li led their visitors out a back exit to an airstrip behind the mansion. A Learjet had already taxied to a spot nearby, Spencer was surprised to see, and was waiting on the tarmac with its engines running. They entered the airplane, following Master Xin. The jet's interior impressed Spencer with its comfortable lounge chairs, its luxurious tables and trays, its plentifully stocked bar and kitchen area, and its assortment of entertainment options.

  As Sean buckled himself in a seat on the other side of a small table, it dawned on Spencer to ask him if he had ever performed or heard of the red marble test, and if he even knew what the purpose of the test was. When he broached the subject, Sean said, "The red marble thing? Oh, yeah," the older man recollected. "I did the red marble test a long time ago, Grasshopper." He winked.

  "Why do they call it the red marble test?" Spencer asked.

  Sean looked back at Spencer with half a grin. "I'd say because the marble is red."

  Frowning to himself, Spencer thought about Sean's answer for a long time, and wondered what it meant that his marble hadn't been red.

  Chapter Ten

  The Research Center

  S pencer woke up abruptly, feeling totally relaxed. It was so quiet and peaceful in the jet that it was hard to believe they were flying at all. After an intercom bell sounded—probably the first ring had woken him—the pilot announced the jet's descent and approach. Master Xin and Sean Galloway, who were speaking together quietly, returned to their seats and buckled their seat belts. Spencer peered out his window at the dark night sky as the jet descended through layers of cloud. He had to swallow a few times to get re-accustomed to the change in air pressure. Mountains, trees, and highways slowly became visible. First he saw lights in the distance; then Spencer realized the terrain was mountainous, forested, and snow-capped.