Chapter 30: The Prime Minister of Elemency

As I opened the black hole, I expanded it to the size of a small mountain. I could see the Conjurer struggling to keep himself from being sucked in. I was doing it! I was going to win! Even if I took half the moon with him, I would see him sucked into oblivion! But then the unthinkable happened. You actually came to help, Leon. And so did your mother.

Amelia was experiencing a lot of firsts today. She had lived a long life. Not as long as Eramar, but still, longer than the average woman. She had seen plenty of wars and violence in her time, made a lot of mistakes, especially in her younger years as an Elemental. She still didn’t know how she would broker the subject of her entire past to Eramar. The gaps in her memories. The medication and the therapy she went through to adjust. The doctors told her she’d been traumatized early on by pre-exposure to the battlefield, so that explained the occasional nightmares. Still, Amelia could not remember exactly what the trauma was. Her childhood was still mostly a blur. All that to say, Amelia Wilson had some mileage in terms of difficult experiences, so much so that she thought herself incapable of being surprised by much. But still, she found herself in a perpetual state of befuddlement as one mind-boggling event after another transpired before her eyes.

“The Prime Minister himself,” she gasped hauntingly. “We’re really going to meet the most powerful Elemental currently living.”

“I did say that, did I not? asked Kormal while he continued walking. At times, he showed puzzlement for human speech, as he often took things too literally. “Yes, I do believe I did. I sometimes forget that you’re not telepaths, so I may think more than I talk at times. I apologize if I contributed to a lack of clarity.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just, the Prime Minister himself. He hasn’t been seen for years. The government has branded him a traitor. But even before then, I never imagined I’d have a personal audience with him.”

“Yeah, about that, Amelia,” said Eramar, sounding uncomfortable as he wiped away a bead of sweat from his forehead, still recovering from their earlier battle. “I don’t think I have to tell you to keep all this to yourself.”

“Eramar dear,” Amelia said in concern as she ran an orange-glowing hand over his leg, checking his injury once again with Medical Elemency. “Are you certain you’re alright? Maybe I should-”

Eramar gently pushed Amelia’s hand away. “I’m fine, honey, thanks to you. If you hadn’t been there, we likely would have had to amputate the leg. Once again, Zand’s precautions have proven prudent. Besides that, my own psions as a Wielder make me resilient enough to withstand wounds and pains that others cannot. But back to my earlier question.”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about me,” Amelia said reassuringly as she patted Eramar’s arm. “I never believed anything that the government said that he did. I mean, how could anyone? Zanderius Alastar, the man that almost singlehandedly forged the Empire into what it is today, a traitor that assassinated the former Empress and her family in a grab for power. I don’t see how anyone could believe that, no matter what convoluted evidence Chissler’s party scrounged up to implicate him. You should know enough about me to know where my political leanings lie by now. I may be overwhelmed to meet the man, but you can count on my discretion.”

“It’s not your discretion I’m counting on, my dear,” said Eramar painfully. “You may have to outright lie to keep this meeting secret. Even from the Fire Minister herself. I respect Saria and will continue to serve her loyally, but she has her own grudges with Zanderius that I’d rather not dredge up.”

Amelia nodded in understanding. “I understand. The Fire Minister means well, but she can be a rather severe woman. Is it true what they say about her? Did she really have a romantic relationship with the Prime Minister?”

Eramar cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I’d rather not discuss that ... for my own sake more than anything.”

Amelia smiled wryly. “So it is true, then. Well, I can see why she might be bitter. If my man had the gall to just leave like that without nary an explanation, I’d be pretty miffed myself. I might even be tempted to hunt him down and do all manner of terrible things to him with my knowledge of Medical Elemency.”

Eramar chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “A promise for what’s to come if I make the same mistake?”

“No, just an observation. Self-evaluation on my part,” said Amelia perkily, her smile deepening. “Incidentally, there’s something I’ve always wondered. Why didn’t Zanderius do anything to defend himself legally? He all but confirmed Chissler’s allegations when he vanished without a trace.”

Eramar sighed, conveying a deep sense of frustration and fatigue, as if he’d mulled this very question over himself countless times, and always came up short for an answer. “Zanderius has always been an enigma. Older Elementals like me know that better than anyone. He can be so frank sometimes, and so elusive the rest of the time. But he has never led me astray. He helped me in a particularly dark time in my life, so whatever he does, I must have faith that it is for the best.”

“Have you never asked him? I assumed that you’ve had access to him for quite some time now.”

“Not until recently,” explained Eramar. “Although, it does annoy me that you seem to have his ear, Kormal. And I thought we were friends.”

“We are, friend Eramar,” said Kormal, his voice still dispassionate. “But the Prime Minister’s secrets are his own. When and whom he reveals things to is always carefully precalculated, as is the case with our current meeting. You said you have faith in our mentor. Then let that faith extend to the unusual ways he makes his presence known. He never does anything outside of its proper place and time.”

“So, this was part of his plan? I thought our meeting was due to the theft of the Cosmic Core.”

“Unfortunate events often coincide with planned events. It does not mean that there is no plan, just that there may need to be alterations.”

“Is this one of those alterations?”

“I will allow him to explain that for himself,” replied Kormal coyly.

They walked down the pristine hallways of the Corinth Monastery on the largest of Tarrus’ four moons, Galsin. Chissler had armies of agents searching the universe for any sign of Zanderius. To think that they couldn’t find him when he was so close to the capital planet. The building was made of a white crystalline substance that Amelia assumed was erected using Light Elemency. The white hallways were curved to make an oval with only the floor being flat. Arched pillars ran down the hallways, making the appearance of a shrinking target as one stared ahead. Hundreds of fist-sized white glowing orbs floated inside each pillar, providing the only illumination for the Corinth Monastery. The crystal walls were translucent, allowing Amelia to see various Light Monks roaming the building around her. Their images were blurred slightly, preventing Amelia from discerning them individually, but she could make out their silhouettes and the basic color of their clothing. Like most Monks, they wore simple robes of gray and white. Incredibly, she could see Monks below her feet walking down the halls beneath her, and Monks above her as well. The design of the structure was to illustrate the transparency of the Caretaker. How he hides nothing and shares his glory with all who seek it. From her single vantage point, Amelia could make out the contours of the entire structure if she wished to, where it began on the white sands of the moon below, and where it ended hundreds of feet above her.

Fortunately, the Monks did have enough sense of propriety as to make their personal quarters indistinguishable to onlookers. She guessed that each Monk had their own private restroom as well. The sleeping quarters appeared as fuzzy circles throughout the facility, like bubbles in a sea of white glass. Much of the structure itself took on a circular nature, another adherence to the Monk’s teachings. The universe itself was shaped like one giant circle, as were the various planets and stars within it. Because of this, the Monks viewed the circle - or any naturally ball-shaped object - as holy, the perfect form chosen by the Lord Caretaker and his heralds that shaped the universe into being. Amelia may have chosen to pursue Elemency, but she had once considered joining the Monastery and becoming a Monk. Even though she had decided not to in the end, she still did a fair bit of studying up on the Monks and was fascinated by their practices.

The Monks that served the Light no longer participated heavily in the politics of Tarrus directly. In fact, they refused to have any contact with governing bodies at all, communicating only through their liaisons that served within the Ministries. As to be expected, Chissler despised them, a great contrast to previous Emperors who showed great deference to the Monastery with prolific donations. Despite how reclusive the Monks had grown in recent years, they still did their best to help out where they could, providing food, housing, and medical attention where needed. Many nonhuman refugees often had nowhere to turn to other than the Monks. There were still many pockets of poverty throughout the Tarrus Empire, and even on the planet of Tarrus itself, but the Monks did their best to fill in the gaps. Often their charity did turn to missionary work as they sought to convert those they saved, but Amelia couldn’t completely fault the Monks for that. Recruitment was necessary for any organization, no matter how benign.

Though their efforts were often quelled by the increasing restrictions that Chissler put on their movements. Extra taxes on the supplies that they brought with them to help the poor. Laws limiting the scope of the messages they could deliver, especially if those messages even implied derision at Chissler’s current government. Chissler was doing everything in his power to slowly choke the Monastery, much like he did to the Elemental Ministries. Unfortunately for him, he would never have the power to dissolve the Monastery completely. So long as the Monastery kept away from most political issues, they retained autonomy as a religious organization. The Precepts of Law at the founding of the Tarrus Empire prevented the oppression or termination of an organization based on religious beliefs. The opposite was true as well, of course, in order to prevent the Monastery from extinguishing other religions throughout the Empire. It was the Monks themselves who proposed the law guaranteeing religious freedom as they believed the Caretaker did not wish them to overstep their authority and force others into the faith. Chissler would’ve probably liked to change the law protecting the Monks’ religious freedom, but a good number of senators still followed Monastery teaching, so the law stood.

“I still can’t help but feel surreal at being here,” said Amelia whimsically. “Not just because of the Prime Minister, but the Monks themselves. I’ve always been fascinated with their practices. I know many Elementals follow the teachings of the Monks and go to service every Sunday, but to commit this level of devotion to the Caretaker, giving up everything you own in his name - all political or monetary aspirations ... it staggers my imagination.”

“You admire the Light Monks, don’t you?” asked Eramar skeptically.

“And you don’t?”

Eramar gave a slight wince. “I’m not completely faithless. The universe is far too complex for it all to be made from some random big bang event. This suggests intelligent design, especially if one considers how Elemency came to play in shaping nature. However, events in my life make it difficult for me to believe that the Caretaker has a vested interest in our affairs. So, if the Caretaker doesn’t feel the need to help me save the life of an innocent boy and his family, I don’t see any need to worship him ... or to pay homage to those who do.”

Amelia cringed inwardly. It was not her wish to bring up painful topics for Eramar. “You mean Billy, don’t you?”

Eramar didn’t respond as he continued following Kormal.

“You need to stop beating yourself up about that. And you definitely shouldn’t blame the Caretaker for his death. If the Monk’s teachings are right, then Billy is safe and happy with his family in the Realm of Light.”

“That is one aspect of their teachings I would like to believe,” admitted Eramar hesitantly, his jaw going hard and his single mechanical eye staring ahead restlessly, as if hoping to see that very image. “But all the Monks seem to do is spout off pretty stories for the masses, telling them that their hardship in life will ease so long as they believe. I suppose it helps inspire hope, but their words are of little use when monsters like the Mystics and Mages hunt people in the night. I’m a pragmatic man. In a universe this dangerous, power serves to protect the innocent more often than words. So I’ll devote my efforts to keeping the people alive, and while they live, they can believe whatever they want to believe. I’m certainly in no place to judge.”

“And yet,” said Amelia thoughtfully. “If the people survive, but have no hope to cling to, no ideal to believe in, then what’s the point in living? It’s just surviving. It’s not thriving ... it’s not striving to better oneself. It’s just existing. I can’t think of anything more dismal. Can you?”

Eramar chuckled, a smirk on his mustached lips as he glanced at her with his discerning robotic eye. “You always have to have the last word, don’t you?”

Amelia winked at him, whipping her hair in a way that she was sure Eramar would take notice of. “What about you, Kormal? What do you believe in?”

“I?” asked Kormal musingly. “I believe in finding something to believe in. I am unsure if I have found that, but I am hopeful that I am close. The events of my life leave me leaning towards Eramar’s point of view, but I want to hope that there can be more. Zanderius makes me want to believe there can be more.”

“He does have that effect on people,” acknowledged Eramar, speaking almost reverently.

“You know what I find strange,” said Amelia with a grin of mischief. “You display skepticism for the Monks, but show nothing but admiration for their de facto leader, Zanderius. By the Monastery’s tradition, the Prime Minister becomes the unofficial head of their church even though he started out as an Elemental instead of a Monk. Why such respect for him, but not the religion he represents?”

Eramar took in a deep breath, pondering a moment before his response. “I respect the man, not necessarily the ideal. I reserve my respect for individuals, not systems or organizations. I know Zand. I’ve seen the things he does, how he helps people ... really helps people. If there is any sign of the Caretaker’s benevolence to mankind in this universe, it is exemplified in men like him. The day that all the Monks start acting like Zand and accomplish the same level of good as him is the day I become a full believer.”

Amelia sniffed, but still grinned. “Now who’s trying to get the last word in?”

Eramar winked at her with his mechanical eye as he smirked. A smile on his hardened, scarred face might have seemed intimidating to some, even to Amelia herself when she first met him. But now, she found Eramar’s smile more endearing than anything. The fact that she could get this man to smile considering all the things he’d been through, the things he’d been forced to do, was a testament to their bond with each other. It also meant that her own prayer for him was finally starting to come true. He was starting to heal. That, in it of itself, was proof of the Caretaker’s vested interest in him despite the man’s protestations to the contrary.

“We’re here,” said Kormal softly, stopping at an intricate door made of milky white metal plating.

Standing in front of the door was another person that Amelia never expected to meet. Hannah Lioness, the High Priestess of Light. She was tall, almost as tall as Eramar. The formidable woman stood imperiously with her arms crossed in a disapproving manner as she glared at them. Even though Hannah Lioness had been officially heading the Monastery since the disappearance of the Prime Minister, her white robes were almost identical to other Monks. Although her robes fitted her a little more tightly than other the Monks, outlining her curvaceous figure. The circular symbols of the Monastery were embroidered on her sleeves, curved all the way up to her shoulders. Some letters in the symbols resembled the white feathers of a swan, an animal commonly depicted with the Caretaker. The robes parted down the middle to reveal tight brown trousers, perfect for quick movement. Her long blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin almost made for a flawless beauty. Her angular, youthful face stood in stark contrast with her intense blue eyes that possessed the slight glow of agelessness that accompanied all those whose lifespan had been extended through mastery of high-level Elemency. Though she appeared to be a fit woman in her thirties, Amelia knew the Priestess of Light was centuries old. Far older and perhaps far wiser than Amelia would ever be.

By the Caretaker, this woman’s tall! Doesn’t seem right for a woman to be that tall ... except for Minister Kaves, of course. Why couldn’t I have been tall like that? Whatever you do, don’t be intimidated! Don’t be intimidated, thought Amelia, hoping Kormal wouldn’t translate her thoughts.

As Hannah Lioness continued to glare suspiciously at them, Amelia could tell that her focus rested mainly on Eramar.

Eramar tensed visibly beside her, his lips drawing together in a thin line. “Hello, Hannah. How’s life at the Monastery?”

“It was fine until you darkened our doors,” she replied curtly, her voice huskier than Amelia imagined it would be. “I still don’t know why Zanderius has to involve a Ministry stooge like you in this.”

“Now, now, Hannah,” said Eramar, wagging a finger. “The theft of something from the Vault is a matter that concerns both the Ministry and the Monastery. It would be best if we worked together on this, no matter how unpleasant it might be for both of us. I’ll try to tone down my sinful attitude if you can tone down your judgmental tendencies.”

Hannah sniffed. “I see even you have somewhat adopted the manner in which many modern Elementals dismiss us. When the Elementals openly followed the teachings of the Caretaker, they were one Ministry. One people. Then they allowed corruption and politics to seep in, and now look at the result. Twelve distinct Ministries basically at each other’s throats, always on the brink of infighting ... like with the Ministry skirmishes last year.”

“I didn’t see the Monastery stepping in to stop the fighting,” countered Eramar, his voice growing hard and bitter as his jaw went tight. “Zanderius had to do that for you. A perfect example of the perfunctory status of the Monastery. Always take the route of least resistance and let the Prime Minister sort out the rest.”

Hannah shook her head sardonically. “And who do you think kept up the vigil of protecting the borders of Tarrus Space while the Elementals squabbled like schoolyard brats?! You self-absorbed son of a-”

“I think that will do for now, Priestess,” interrupted Kormal, stepping between the two nervously. “Zanderius requested his presence. The time has come when the Monastery and the Ministries must cooperate once again like they did in ancient times. You know this to be true.”

Hannah drew in a sharp breath, her barely bottled rage seeming to emanate from her like a storm. “I apologize. Caretaker knows, I still see enemies where I should seek allies. The Ministries are not entirely to blame for their current division. They’ve had to adapt to fit the needs of an ever-diversifying society.”

“Too many people to protect, and all with their own special needs to attend to. Tarrus has grown much larger than in the old days,” acknowledged Eramar, cooling himself. “I know we aren’t perfect, but I hope we can do better. I also hope that perhaps you and I can be friends like we were in the old days.”

Hannah smiled and spoke more softly. “We were never really friends, Eramar. We could hardly stand each other’s guts back at the Ministry of Fire. Too competitive with one another to be anything else but rivals. But you always did what needed to be done, no matter how painful it was to do it. There was no man more dogmatic in his duty than you, not even Richard in those days. If I could start trusting anyone from the Ministry again, it would be you. But you still took my Ryan from me, so forget about being friends.”

Hannah then turned leisurely in Amelia’s direction. “I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met.”

Amelia sputtered, her involvement in this conversation between two titans of Elemency coming unexpectantly. “Oh ... right! I’m ... uh...”

“This is Doctor Amelia Wilson,” said Eramar proudly as he gave a reverent bow to Amelia. “My fiancée.”

Amelia rendered a grateful nod for Eramar, nearly flushing like a schoolgirl at his gallantry.

“Amelia,” repeated Hannah, bemused. “I don’t think I remember you when I left the Ministry centuries ago. I can tell you’ve achieved longevity, but only just recently. That would put you in your ... what, third or second century?”

Amelia blushed, never thinking she’d feel like a kid again after living a lifespan almost twice as long as most humans. “One hundred and fifty,” she admitted hesitantly.

Hannah clicked her tongue. “Eramar, I never pegged you for a cradle robber. Caretaker knows, I never pegged you as one to settle down, period. Too obsessed with being the best. The lengths you went to just to one-up Richard and me sometimes. Did you know that this man once wrestled an Ogre wearing nothing but a loincloth in a pit filled with-”

Eramar cleared his throat rather loudly, prompting Amelia’s curiosity. “We’d best get on to the meeting. One doesn’t keep the Prime Minister of Elemency waiting.”

Amelia cocked her head at Eramar, then leaned in close to Hannah and whispered, “Tell me the story later, and any other juicy details you happen to remember.”

Hannah grinned and winked. Then the High Priestess looked slightly startled as she pointed at Amelia’s neck and said, “Where’d you get that?”

Amelia realized Hannah was pointing to the blue crystal shaped like a teardrop that hung on a necklace. Amelia held up the pendant, saying, “Oh, this? I’ve always had it. I think I found it at the market one day, but I can’t quite remember where. Why?”

Hannah stared at the pendant a few seconds, and then shook her head. “Never mind. Probably just my imagination.”

The High Priestess then pushed open the double doors that Amelia guessed led to the Prime Minister’s personal chambers. However, before she went in, Hannah hesitated halfway between the hallway and the other room.

“Tell me how Ryan is doing?” asked Hannah softly. “Is he happy in his studies?”

“Happiness is rarely part of the equation in an Elemental’s life, as you know,” said Eramar gruffly.

Hearing the concerned tone in Hannah’s voice, Amelia hit Eramar hard on the shoulder, gesturing towards the Priestess.

Eramar huffed and rephrased. “But he has made friends. Good friends who look after him. I’m sure you know how crucial that can be for a young Elemental’s development.”

Hannah nodded, not turning from them. “I didn’t want him to join the Fire Ministry. I don’t think Richard did either. Too engrossed with the politics and petty squabbling of the Empire. Too enraptured by the thrill of competition and striving to be the best at any cost. But all those aspirations won’t help him when real trouble comes ... and trust me, it’s coming soon. Who do you think Chissler will send out to the frontlines first when that happens? Young Elementals like Ryan still foolish enough to dream of glory. A perfect means of removing future hinderances to his rule.”

“And I suppose we Elementals should just sit on our hands and pray when trouble comes like you Monks?” said Eramar bitterly, his old fire returning. “Not all of us have the luxury of hoping the universe becomes a better place. Part of the reason that this government can exert so much power over the Monastery is because the Monks refuse to speak out anymore. That would be seen as too secular ... too ‘engrossed in politics’ as you would say. At least since he chose to come with me, I’ve shown the boy how to stand up for himself ... not stick his head in the ground and pretend it’s all a bad dream!”

“Eramar,” warned Amelia firmly, placing a hand on his arm.

Eramar slumped a bit, his eye downcast in shame. “Now I’m the one who should apologize. I went too far, Hannah. I-”

“No, it’s alright,” said Hannah quietly, still facing away from them, her voice somehow sounding both sad and hopeful. “You are right in some ways. The influence of the Monastery has diminished because we find the constraints of the political arena too distasteful. The Elementals have had to pick up the slack where we have failed. We are supposed to be a light to the people, but are often too afraid to shine. That is not the case for Ryan, though. He can shine no matter what filth might try to smear him. It was better for him to join the Fire Ministry. It’s where he can do the most good, and that boy has too much good in him to let it be wasted. I was selfish to want to keep him for myself.” Hannah then walked in through the threshold slowly.

As Amelia stepped to join her, she noticed Kormal staring with his large, black eyes almost creepily. “What?”

“Human conversations are fascinating,” he said with an eerie smile. “So many emotions conveyed through words alone without touching one another’s minds. I’ve studied your kind for a long time, but still cannot fully understand the intricacies of your relationships given your limited capacity to communicate. It is a comforting thought that there are still mysteries to unravel, even for a Sage.”

Kormal then cocked his bald, gray-skinned head to the side almost too far as to be natural, and then strode through the door after Hannah.

Amelia gave Eramar a look as if to say, ’He’s your weird friend, not mine’.

Eramar only shrugged in reply as he followed after the Telepathic Sage, Amelia trailing behind.

They came into a bare room with a roof that spiraled upwards like a cone. When Amelia saw the exterior of the room through the translucent walls beyond the door, it looked like a big teardrop. Even the floor seemed to dip slightly, making an oval instead of a flat surface. Amelia almost slipped on the slanted plane, but Eramar steadied her. Balls of light traced up the cone at the top of the room much like in the pillars outside. Around the room, the angelic symbols of the Caretaker curved in circular patterns just like the embroidery on Hannah’s cloak. The symbols were a deeper shade of white than the walls themselves, making them stand out starkly.

Hannah waited for them at the bottom of the teardrop, her hands folded in front of her expectantly.

Amelia looked around confused. “Where is he? I thought we were going to meet the Prime Minister.”

Hannah smiled knowingly. “Do you know how many times Corinth has been searched by Chissler’s agents for any sign of Zanderius? Even now, he has spies watching this building. They’ve taken particular note of Eramar’s presence here, a known associate of the Prime Minister.”

Amelia gasped, but Eramar only nodded.

“I thought as much,” he said unsurprised. “It’s been a while since I’ve dealt directly with the Monastery. Assuming they haven’t already informed Chissler, they’ll find this meeting suspicious, to say the least.”

Amelia turned to Hannah in shock. “I take it from your relaxed posture that you have a way to deal with them.”

“We do. Accounting for the thermal scanning devices that are no doubt watching us as we speak, Zanderius set up a little trick to prevent any unwanted attention,” Hannah explained. “The Minister is not actually here. Or at least, he’s not here in the conventional sense. He is aware of us, but only those he trusts will be allowed to see him in this chamber.”

The Priestess of Light then placed her palm on the floor, and the symbols around the room began to glow. As the circular Caretaker glyphs glowed brightly with a pure white light, they began to move, circling around the room slowly at first. Then the symbols picked up speed, spinning faster and faster around the walls until they were a blur of white energy. A soft humming reverberated throughout the chamber. Amelia almost felt frightened as she reached out with her mind and sensed the sheer power of the psions circulating in this room. More than she ever felt in her life. More even than the Minister of Fire herself possessed.

As the room continued to spin, Amelia felt something strange happening to her. A tingling sensation that felt wrong somehow. She looked down at herself and found her body becoming translucent. Her form was still there, but she could see through her clothes to the floor below. Slowly, she seemed to be vanishing from this plane of existence as more and more of her body disappeared. It was a similar sensation when they went to the catacombs, but this felt more somehow, or less if that made any sense.