The government was accustomed to keep systematic track of the more prominent Xioqeni to whom it gave free tuition but the supervision was never irksome, indeed, was scarcely felt to be maintained by those under this paternal surveillance. Those who, besides being bright and studious, were approaching the last years of the collegiate sep-term were admitted to those sessions of the Council of Ninety not of an executive or secret character. There were some especial favorites who, being bound by strict vows, were not excluded from any meetings of the. councilors. Not one of the many thousand students but esteemed even the lesser privilege most valuable, for beside the honor conferred the lessons in statecraft were of incalculable advantage.
The government routinely monitored the more promising Xioqeni students who received free education, but this oversight was never oppressive. In fact, those under this protective watch hardly noticed it. Top students nearing graduation were allowed to attend non-confidential sessions of the Council of Ninety. A select few, sworn to secrecy, could attend all council meetings. Every student, regardless of status, highly valued even limited access to these sessions. Beyond the prestige, the practical lessons in governance were invaluable.
In the latter half of my fourth year of attendance there came to me one Prince Menax, who desired to know whether I would accept the position of Secretary of Records, a position which gave opportunity to become familiar with every detail of Poseid government. He spoke:
During my fourth year of study, Prince Menax approached me with an offer to become Secretary of Records. This role would provide insight into every aspect of Poseid's government. He said:
"It is a very important trust indeed, but one which I am happy to offer thee, because that thou art capable of filling it to the satisfaction of the council. It will bring thee into close contact with the Rai and all the princes; also it will clothe thee with some degree of authority. What sayest thou?"
"This is a crucial responsibility, one I'm glad to entrust to you. I'm confident you can fulfill it to the council's satisfaction. It will bring you into close contact with the Rai and all the princes, and give you a measure of authority. What do you say?"
"Prince Menax, I am aware that, this is a very great honor. But may I ask why thou hast given so great opportunity to one who supposes himself almost a stranger to thee?"
"Prince Menax, I understand this is a tremendous honor. But may I ask why you've given such a great opportunity to someone who considers himself almost a stranger to you?"
"Because, Zailm Numinos, I have thought thee worthy; now do I give thee all chance to prove it true. Thou art no stranger to me, if I be much of one to thee; I feel a trust in thee; wilt thou not prove it well founded?"
"Zailm Numinos, I've deemed you worthy, and now I'm giving you the opportunity to prove it. Though you may not know me well, I'm familiar with you. I trust you; will you show that my faith is justified?"
"I will."
"I will."
"Then hold up thy right hand to the blazing Incal, and by that sublime symbol declare that in no case wilt thou reveal aught that taketh place in secret session; nothing of the doings in the Hall of Laws."
"Now raise your right hand toward the radiant Incal, and swear by that sacred symbol that you will never disclose anything that occurs in our private meetings or any proceedings in the Hall of Laws."
This vow I took and, in taking it, was bound by an oath inviolable in the eyes of all Poseidi. Thus I became one of the seven non-official, unenfranchised secretaries, who were entrusted with the writing of special reports and the care of many important state documents. Surely this was no small distinction to confer on one out of nine thousand Xioqeni and a man, as yet, unenfranchised in a nation of three hundred million people. If, in some sort, I owed it to merit, yet I was not more worthy than a hundred other of my fellow-students. It was due fully as much to personal popularity with the powers that were, a popularity, however, which had not been mine had I not in all things shown the same solid determination which had governed my actions on the lone pitach of Rhok, the great mountain.
I took this vow, binding myself with an unbreakable oath in Poseidon's eyes. This made me one of seven special secretaries, responsible for writing key reports and safeguarding crucial state documents. It was no small honor, considering I was one of 9,000 Xioqeni and still unenfranchised in a nation of 300 million. While I earned this partly through merit, I wasn't necessarily more deserving than hundreds of my peers. My appointment owed as much to my popularity with those in power—a popularity I wouldn't have gained without consistently showing the same unwavering resolve that guided my actions on the solitary peak of Rhok, the great mountain.
Prince Menax continued, saying:
Menax went on to say:
"I would have thee attend at my palace this night, it being convenient, as I have somewhat to say unto thee. I would prove to thee thine error in believing thyself unknown to me, merely because thou art one of a large concourse of Xioqeni, each in pursuit of knowledge. I do know thee. From me, and not, as thou hast always imagined, from thy Xioql (chief preceptor) did the invitation issue to thee to attend the sessions of the councils-in-ordinary. The Astiki (princes of the realm) are always much interested in deserving Xioqeni; hence the reason of many little duties falling to thee for execution. But I will not say more at present, as I hinder thy studies. Remember then, the appointed eighth hour."
"I'd like you to come to my palace tonight, if it's convenient, as I have something to tell you. I want to show you that you're mistaken in thinking I don't know you, just because you're one of many Xioqeni seeking knowledge. I do know you. The invitation to attend the regular council sessions came from me, not from your Xioql (chief teacher) as you've always thought. The Astiki (princes of the realm) are always very interested in promising Xioqeni; that's why you've been given many small tasks to complete. But I won't say more now, as I'm interrupting your studies. Remember, be here at eight o'clock."
Menax held the highest ministerial office of all the Astiki, being premier and, in short, the Rai's chief adviser. My opinion of myself rose in degree when I felt that I was held in such high favor; but it rendered me full of gratitude and not self-conceit; it was true self-esteem, not vanity.
Menax held the highest government position among the Astiki, serving as both prime minister and the Rai's top advisor. My self-esteem grew when I realized I was held in such high regard. However, this made me grateful rather than conceited; it was genuine self-respect, not vanity.
Although this was not my first visit to the palace of this prince, I could by no means claim familiarity with the interior of his astikithlon.
Though I had been to this prince's palace before, I was far from familiar with the layout of his private quarters.
Winding my best green silk turban about my head and sticking in it a pin set with gray quartz, through which ran veins of green copper, thus denoting my social rank, I stepped to the naim and called for a city vailx as thou wouldst call for a cab. The vessel soon came, and though small in size was ample for the conveyance of two, or even four, passengers. Bidding my mother good night, I was soon speeding on my way, and the conductor leaving me to my own company I sat listening to the furious patter of the torrents of rain which rendered the night inclement in the extreme.
I wrapped my finest green silk turban around my head, securing it with a pin adorned with gray quartz streaked with green copper—a symbol of my social status. I then went to the communicator and requested a city flyer, much like hailing a taxi. The small vessel arrived promptly, comfortably seating two to four passengers. After saying goodnight to my mother, I boarded and set off. The conductor left me alone, and I listened to the heavy rain pounding against the vessel, making for a particularly unpleasant night.
The palace of Menax was not far distant from the inner quay of the moat where that great canal nearest approached my suburban home, not indeed, ten miles away, and therefore the aerial trip consumed only about the same number of minutes ere the bottom of the vailx grated a little upon the broad marble floor of the vailx-court, announcing arrival at my destination.
The palace of Menax stood close to the inner quay of the moat, where the main canal came nearest to my suburban home. It was only about ten miles away, so the aerial journey took roughly the same number of minutes before the bottom of the aircraft gently scraped the wide marble floor of the landing court, signaling our arrival.
A sentry came up to demand my business and, having learned it, a servitor was summoned to escort me into the presence of Menax.
A guard approached to ask my purpose. After hearing my explanation, an attendant was called to lead me to Menax.
A number of officers of the prince's suite were in the great apartment, sedulously engaged in doing nothing in particular, an occupation in which they were aided by several ladies resident at the palace. Prince Menax himself was lying at length on a divan drawn up in front of a grate full of pieces of some refractory substance heated by the universal force.
Several officers from the prince's entourage lounged in the grand hall, expertly engaged in idleness. A few ladies living at the palace assisted them in this pursuit. Prince Menax himself sprawled on a couch positioned before a fireplace filled with glowing chunks of some heat-resistant material, warmed by the universal energy source.
As the attendant conducted me before the prince and prior to my presence being announced, I had time sufficient to enable me to notice a group of officers and ladies, gathered about a woman of such exceeding grace and beauty that even her evident sorrow and distress, together with the distance of the corner where she sat, could not wholly conceal it. Her attire, her features and complexion denoted that she was other than a daughter of Poseid, inasmuch as she had not their dark eyes, dark hair and clear, but distinctly reddish complexion. She who sorrowed, and was in distress, was the reverse of all this, as nearly as my hasty glance could discern, at the distance between us.
Before I was announced to the prince, the attendant led me in, giving me a moment to observe the scene. A group of officers and ladies had gathered around a woman of striking beauty and grace. Despite her visible distress and the distance between us, her allure was undeniable. Her appearance set her apart from the natives of Poseid; instead of their dark eyes, dark hair, and reddish complexion, she seemed to be of foreign origin. Even from afar, I could see she was the opposite of the typical Poseidonian features.
Menax said, in salutation:
Menax greeted them, saying:
"Thou'rt welcome. 'Tis well. Be seated. The night is tempestuous, but I know thee well; having promised, thou art come."
"Welcome. Good to see you. Have a seat. The night is stormy, but I knew you'd come. You always keep your promises."
He was silent for several moments, and gazed steadily into the glowing grate; then said: "Zailm, wilt thou attend and take part in the competition in Xio in the nine days given to the annual examination of Xioqeni?"
He remained quiet for a while, staring intently at the fireplace. Then he asked, "Zailm, will you participate in the competition in Xio during the nine-day annual examination of Xioqeni?"
"I have so intended, my Astika."
"That's been my plan all along, Astika."
"Thou art privileged to waive examination until the last year of the sep-term."
"You have the option to postpone your examination until the final year of the seven-year period."
"Verily that is so in all Xioqeni?"
"Is that really true for all Xioqeni?"
"I approve most emphatically of thy determination. i did after that way myself, when I was a student. I hope that thou wilt pass, that thou mayest be joyful at thy success, though it shall not shorten thy years of study. But after the examination, then what? Thou wilt have a month wherein to do as thou shalt fancy. Would that I had thirty-three days' respite from my duties!" Menax paused in meditation, and resumed:
"I wholeheartedly support your decision. I took the same approach when I was a student. I hope you'll pass and rejoice in your success, though it won't reduce your years of study. But what comes after the exam? You'll have a month to do as you please. How I wish I had thirty-three days off from my responsibilities!" Menax paused thoughtfully, then continued:
"Zailm, hast thou any preferred plan for the occupation of that vacation?"
"Zailm, do you have any specific ideas for how you'd like to spend your time off?"
"None, my prince."
"No one, sir."
"None? 'Tis well. Would it please thee to do me a service, and go into a far country in fulfilling the kindness? The brief duty completed, thou mayest remain there such time as thou desirest, or go whither fancy may beckon."
"None? Good. Would you be willing to do me a favor and travel to a distant land to carry out this kindness? Once the short task is done, you can stay there as long as you like, or go wherever you please."
I was not averse to doing as he desired, and as the duty took me to a land barely mentioned hitherto, the account of my long-ago vacation trip may be prefaced by a description of Suernis, now called Hindustan, and Necropan or Egypt, the most civilized nations not under Poseid supremacy.
I was willing to follow his request, and since the task would take me to a land barely mentioned before, I'll preface my account of that long-ago vacation with a description of Suernis, now known as India, and Necropan or Egypt, the most advanced nations not under Poseid control.
When nations seek to make religion absolutely dominant in their affairs, the result is sure to be fraught with disaster. The theocratic policy of the Israelites was a case in point and, as the reader will ere long perceive, Suernis and Necropan were examples yet earlier in the history of the world. And the reason is, not that religion is a failure; the force of this record of my life must convey the truth that I think nothing is better than pure religion undefiled. No, the reason why a successful theocracy can not permanently thrive is that the attention of the promoters must be given to things spiritual to render the spiritual successful, and the things of God's Kingdom can never be the things of earth. Not, at least, until man is fully developed in his sixth or psychic principle, has become purified, by the fire of the Spirit, from all taint of animality.
When nations try to make religion dominate their affairs, disaster often follows. The Israelites' theocratic policy is a prime example, and as you'll soon see, Suernis and Necropan were even earlier instances in world history. This isn't because religion itself fails; I firmly believe that pure, undefiled religion is invaluable. The problem lies in the fact that for a theocracy to succeed, its leaders must focus on spiritual matters, which are inherently separate from earthly concerns. This separation will persist until humanity fully develops its psychic abilities and purifies itself from all animal instincts through spiritual enlightenment.
Suernis and Necropan were possessed of a civilization which I now perceive to have been peer with our own, though so different. But because it possessed scarcely a salient point in common with that of Poseid, therefore the people of the latter country regarded it with a sort of scorn [*1] when discussing it amongst themselves. But they were very respectful in their demeanor towards these people, for reasons that shall presently appear.
Suernis and Necropan had a civilization that I now realize was on par with our own, though vastly different. However, since it shared almost no common ground with Poseid's culture, the Poseidons viewed it with a kind of disdain when talking amongst themselves. Despite this, they maintained a respectful demeanor towards these people, for reasons that will soon become clear.
The differences in the two coeval civilizations lay in the fact, that while Poseidi tended to the cultivation of the mechanical arts, to sciences having to do with material things, and were content to accept without question the religion of their ancestors, the Suerni and Necropani paid but little heed to anything not mainly occult and of religious significance--practical. principles truly, occult laws having a bearing on materiality--but none the less were they careless of material objects except in so far as the proper maintenance of life was concerned. Their rule of life was summed in the principle of taking no heed of the life about them, but neglecting the present they strove after the future. The vital principle of Poseid was to extend her dominion over natural things. There were those who philosophized over the spirit of the times, Poseid theorists, and these drew a prognostic picture of Atlantean destiny. They pointed out the fact that our splendid physical triumphs, our arts, sciences and progress, absolutely depended on the utilization of occult power drawn from the Night-Side of nature. Then this fact was put side by side with the fact that the mysterious powers of the Suerni and Necropani owed their existence to this same occult realm, and the conclusion was that in time we also would grow careless of material progress and devote our energy to occult studies. Their forebodings were extremely gloomy in consequence; yet, while the people listened respectfully, the failure of these prophets to suggest a remedy rendered them in some degree objects of secret contempt. Any one who shall find fault with an existing state of affairs and be confessedly unable to substitute a better, is sure to meet with public ridicule.
The two civilizations differed in their focus. While Poseidon emphasized mechanical arts and material sciences, accepting their ancestral religion without question, the Suerni and Necropani prioritized occult and religious matters. They applied practical occult principles to material life but cared little for material objects beyond basic necessities. Their philosophy centered on neglecting the present to pursue the future, while Poseidon's goal was to expand its dominion over nature. Poseidon's theorists analyzed these societal trends, drawing conclusions about Atlantean destiny. They noted that Poseidon's impressive physical achievements, arts, sciences, and progress relied on occult power from nature's dark side. Comparing this to the Suerni and Necropani's use of similar occult forces, they predicted that Poseidon would eventually shift focus from material progress to occult studies. Their gloomy forecasts, while respectfully received, were secretly scorned for lacking solutions. People tend to ridicule those who criticize existing conditions without offering better alternatives.
We, as Poseidi, knew that the mysterious nations across the waters were possessed of abilities which virtually dwarfed our attainments, such as our power to traverse the aerial or marine depths, our swift cars, our sub-surface sea ships. No, they did not boast such conveniences, but they had no need of them to carry on the course of their lives and, therefore, as we supposed, no desire for such apparatus. Perhaps our scorn was more affected than real. for in our more sober thought we acknowledged, with no small admiration, their supremacy.
We Poseidians recognized that the enigmatic nations across the seas possessed abilities that overshadowed our own achievements. While we took pride in our aerial and marine vehicles, high-speed cars, and submarines, these foreign powers had no need for such technologies. They effortlessly conducted their lives without these conveniences, leading us to assume they had no interest in them. In retrospect, our scorn may have been more pretense than genuine, as our more honest reflections revealed a deep admiration for their superiority.
What though we could speak with, and see, and hear., and be seen by those with whom we wished to communicate, and this at any distance and without, wires, but over the magnetic currents of the globe? Truly, we never knew the pangs of separation from our friends; we could attend to the demands of commerce, and transport our armies in war times with a dispatch which could pass around the world in a day; all this as long is our mechanical and electrical contrivances were at hand. But what availed all this splendid ability? Shut one of the most learned Xioqui in a dungeon, and all his knowledge would be as naught; he could not, deprived in such a way of implements or agencies, hope to see, to hear or to escape without external aid. His marvelous capabilities were, dependent upon the creation of his intellect. Not so with Suern or with Necropan. How to hinder one of these people, no Poseida knew. Shut in a dungeon, he would arise and go forth like Saul of Tarsus; he could see to any distance, and this without a naim; hear equally without a naim; go through the midst of foes, and be seen by none of them. What, then, availed our attainments if opposed to those of Suernis and Necropan? Of what use our instruments of war even against such a people, a single man of whom, looking with eyes wherein glittered the terrible light of a will power exerted to hurl in retribution the unseen forces of the Night-Side, could cause our foemen to wither as green leaves before the hot breath of fire? Were missiles of value here? Of use, when the person at whom they were aimed could arrest them in their lightning path, and make them fall as thistle-down at his feet? What, even, was the value of explosives, more awful than nitroglycerin, dropped from vailx poised miles above in the blue vault of heaven? None whatever; for the enemy, with prescient gaze and perfect control of Night-Side forces we knew not of, could arrest the falling destroyer, and instead of suffering harm could annihilate that high ship and its living load. A burned child fears the fire, and in times past we bad sought to conquer these nations, and failed disastrously. Repulse was all they sought to effect, and successful over us in this, we had been left to go in peace.
Imagine a world where we could communicate instantly with anyone, anywhere, without wires or devices, using the Earth's magnetic fields. We'd never feel separated from our loved ones. Business would be seamless, and armies could be mobilized globally in a day. Yet, for all our technological marvels, we'd still be limited by our reliance on machines. Consider the most brilliant Xioqui scholar locked in a cell. Without tools, their vast knowledge becomes useless. They couldn't see, hear, or escape without help. Their impressive abilities depend entirely on their inventions. The Suern and Necropan, however, are different. We Poseidans don't know how to stop them. Imprisoned, they'd simply walk out like biblical heroes. They can see and hear across vast distances without instruments, move unseen among enemies. What good are our advancements against such powers? Our weapons seem pointless when facing people who can manipulate unseen forces with sheer willpower, making our soldiers wither like leaves in a fire. What use are projectiles against those who can stop them mid-flight? Even our most devastating explosives, dropped from airships high above, are useless. The enemy can sense the threat, halt the falling bombs, and destroy our ships and crew. We've learned our lesson the hard way. In the past, we tried to conquer these nations and failed spectacularly. They only sought to repel us, and having done so, left us in peace.
As the years stretched into centuries, our ways likewise became those of defense only, never offensive any more, and owing to this change on the part of Poseid, friendly relations arose between the three nations.
Over time, our nation's approach shifted to a purely defensive stance, abandoning all aggressive tactics. This change in Poseid's policy led to the development of peaceful relationships among the three countries.
Atla had learned at last so much of the secret as to wield magnetic forces for the destruction of its foes, and had dispensed with missiles, projectiles, and explosives as agents of defense. But the knowledge of the Suerni was still greater. Greater because our magnetic destroyers spread death only over restricted areas circumjacent to the operator; theirs operated at any desired point, however distant. Ours struck indiscriminately at all things in the fated district; at things inanimate, as well as animate; at men, whether foes or friends; at animals, at trees--all were doomed. Their agencies went out under control, and struck at the heart of the opposing force, not destroying life unnecessarily; nor even molesting any of the enemy except the generals and directors of their forces.
Atla had finally mastered enough of the secret to harness magnetic forces for destroying its enemies, abandoning missiles, projectiles, and explosives as defensive weapons. However, the Suerni possessed even greater knowledge. Their superiority lay in their ability to strike at any desired target, no matter how distant, while our magnetic destroyers only affected limited areas around the operator. Our weapons indiscriminately killed everything in the targeted zone: friend or foe, animal or plant—all fell victim. In contrast, their technology was precisely controlled, striking at the heart of the opposing force without unnecessary loss of life. They targeted only the enemy's generals and leaders, leaving others unharmed.
Of all these facts concerning the Suerni, I had long before learned. Prince Menax asked me that I oblige him by going on a mission to that people. I had never seen the land of Suern and, having a desire to do so, felt well pleased that it was to be gratified. After consenting to do as requested, I asked the prince concerning the proposed duty, saying "If Zo Astika will tell his son what is required, he will satisfy a growing curiosity.
Prince Menax asked me to undertake a mission to the Suerni, a people I knew much about but had never visited. Eager to see their land, I readily agreed. After consenting, I asked the prince about the task, saying, "If you would tell me what's required, it would satisfy my growing curiosity."
"Even so will I do," answered the prince. "It is desired to send unto the Rai of Suern a present in acknowledgment of certain gifts sent by him to Rai Gwauxln. While there can be but small doubt that these gifts were sent to induce our acceptance of seven score women, prisoners of war, who seem to be much in the way of Rai Ernon of Suern, nevertheless we cannot regard it as necessary to throw us a sop, and while the women will be allowed to remain, or go whither they will so that they go not where forbidden by Suern, we choose to regard the gift of gems and of gold as a gift, and make due return for it. So saith the council in quorum assembled. It seems that these women are members of certain strong forces of foolish invaders whose country lies far to the west of Suern. These people very unwisely made war upon the terrible Suerni. They had never experienced, nor beheld exerted, the wrath wherewith Incal arms His children of Suern, a wrath which moweth its foes as the scythe of the reaper layeth the grass. Now, Ernon hath a fertile country, and these ignorant savages longed to possess it, wherefore they sent unto the Rai of Suern a challenge of war. To this Ernon replied that he would not make fight; that those who sought him with spears and with bows, and came arrayed in armor, would find him, and therefor be sorrowful, inasmuch as Yeovah, as the Suerni are pleased to name Him whom we called Incal, would protect him and his people of Suern, and this without strife and bloodshed. Thereupon the barbarians returned derisive language, and declared that they would come upon his land and destroy his people with the sword. So they gathered a numerous army, even ten score thousand fighting men, and many camp followers, and these, led by a dauntless Astiki, swept east by South to devastate the realm of Suern. But wait; there is in this room one who can doubtless tell more than I, and tell it better. "Mailzis!" addressing his body servant, "conduct hither yon fair stranger.'
"I will do as you ask," replied the prince. "We wish to send a gift to the Rai of Suern in return for his presents. While these gifts were likely meant to encourage us to accept 140 female war prisoners who are troublesome for Rai Ernon of Suern, we don't need to be bribed. The women may stay or go where they please, except where Suern forbids. We'll treat the gems and gold as a genuine gift and reciprocate accordingly, as decided by the council. These women belong to powerful but misguided invaders from far west of Suern. They foolishly waged war against the formidable Suerni, unaware of Incal's wrath that protects His people, cutting down enemies like a scythe through grass. Ernon's fertile land tempted these ignorant savages. They challenged Suern to war, but Ernon refused to fight, warning that those who came with weapons would regret it, as Yeovah (their name for Incal) would protect Suern without bloodshed. The barbarians mocked this response and threatened to invade and destroy Suern. They assembled a vast army of 200,000 fighters, plus camp followers, led by a fearless Astiki. This force moved east by south to ravage Suern. But wait – someone here can tell this story better than I. Mailzis," he said to his servant, "bring that fair stranger here."
Mailzis obeying, the foreign woman whom I had seen as I entered the apartment of the prince arose in an easy, graceful manner which commanded my admiration. Arranging her attire in a not at all hasty way--quite, in fact, the reverse of one obeying a superior--approached Menax. Arising deferentially, the prince said, "Lady art thou minded to recount to me that which thou hast told to my sovereign? I know that thy narration is vastly interesting."
At Mailzis's command, the foreign woman I had noticed upon entering the prince's apartment rose with an effortless grace that impressed me. She adjusted her clothing unhurriedly, more like someone of equal status than a subordinate, and approached Menax. The prince stood respectfully and said, "My lady, would you be willing to share with me the story you told our sovereign? I've heard it's quite fascinating."
During these remarks the stranger had looked not at the prince, but at me. Her eyes had been riveted on my face, not boldly, but intently, though obviously quite unaware of the fixity of her gaze. Nonetheless there was such a magnetic power in it that I was compelled to look away, strangely abashed by the glance, but feeling that yet it followed me, although I saw it not. It occurred to me that the fact of the lady's reply being couched in the Poseid language was indicative of her possession of a good education.
Throughout this exchange, the stranger's gaze was fixed on me, not the prince. Her eyes were locked on my face, not brazen but intense, though she seemed unaware of her stare's intensity. The power of her gaze was so magnetic that I had to look away, feeling oddly embarrassed. Yet I sensed her eyes still following me, even when I wasn't looking. It struck me that the lady's use of the Poseid language in her response indicated she was well-educated.
"If, Astika," said she, "it be a pleasure to thee that I do this that thou askest, it is also one to me. It is also much of a pleasure to me to repeat it to the youth thou favorest. I would, however, that the maid, thy daughter, were not here," she added, sotto voce, with a glance of antagonism toward Anzimee, who sat near us, engaged in perusing a book, apparently, but, as I fancied, not in reality. This jealous undertone was not heard by Menax, though Anzimee heard it, and presently arose and left the apartment in. consequence. This action I regretted, and the cause of it I resented, as the Saldu quickly saw, and because of it bit her lip with vexation.
"Astika," she said, "if it pleases you that I do this, it also pleases me. I'm happy to repeat it for the young man you favor. However," she added in a low voice, glancing antagonistically at Anzimee, who sat nearby seemingly reading a book, "I'd prefer if your daughter weren't here." This jealous undertone escaped Menax's notice, but Anzimee heard it and soon left the room. I regretted her departure and resented its cause, which the Saldu quickly realized, biting her lip in vexation.
"It cannot be agreeable to stand; wilt thou seat thyself at my right hand, and thou, Zailm, change thy seat, also, and be at my left?" said Menax, reseating himself on the divan.
"It must be uncomfortable standing. Why don't you sit here on my right, and Zailm, you move over to my left?" Menax said, settling back onto the couch.
When this arrangement had been made, we were ready to listen to the recital. At this moment the valet, Mailzis, respectfully approached and, being asked his wish, said:
Once everything was set up, we prepared to hear the story. Just then, the butler, Mailzis, politely came over. When we asked what he needed, he said:
"It is the desire of thine officers and of the ladies of the astikithlon to be also present at the narration."
"Your officers and the women of the astikithlon also wish to attend the storytelling."
"Their wish is granted; bring also the naim, and place it near us, that the editor of the Records may take account, too."
"Grant their request. Bring the little one as well and set them close by, so the scribe can include them in the official account."
Availing themselves of his permission, the petitioners were soon grouped about us, some on low seats, others, higher officers, more familiar with their prince, stretched themselves on side and elbow in front of Menax upon the rich velvet rugs on the marble floor.
Taking advantage of his invitation, the petitioners quickly gathered around us. Some sat on low chairs, while others, higher-ranking officials more familiar with their leader, reclined on their sides on the luxurious velvet rugs covering the marble floor in front of Menax.
Footnotes
Notes
^106:1 It hath been ever thus; the seed sown in the Acre whereof the corners am marked by posts of which the first hath but one side, the second five sides, the third six sides, but the fourth again only five, hath ever been scorned by man. That seed groweth a tree seventeen-branched. So was Suern. In another day it would be watered by Poseid; later it must be in Poseid. Yet again this would be after it was pruned by its Sower. Then it must grow till the day's end, and become great in the next day. But greatest at the end of that day. I have spoken a riddle that whoso unfoldeth it proveth him of the Tree I have spoken, and filled with deathlessness. Hear, O Israel! Seek, O Manasseh, and Ephraim, seek! Land of the Starry Flag, open thine eyes, and thou, too, O Mother land!
1. The seed planted in the unique field, marked by posts of varying sides, has always been underestimated by humanity. This seed grows into a tree with seventeen branches. Such was Suern. In time, it would be nurtured by Poseid, then exist within Poseid. Later, its Sower would prune it. It would then grow until the end of an era, becoming great in the next, and reaching its peak at the end of that time. I've presented a riddle; whoever solves it proves they belong to the Tree I've mentioned and possesses immortality. Listen, Israel! Seek, Manasseh and Ephraim! America, open your eyes, and you too, Motherland!