jmclarke
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Chapter 620: Folly
🕑 Added 2023-06-30 21:34:13 +0000 UTC“The General’s Folly is something of a parable only taught in our holy order,” the First Apostle sat in a pew near the back of the chamber.
A seat very near the door, Carey noticed.
He gestured for her to sit, giving her a kindly nod.
She exchanged a look with Izas; the old man had returned to his pew, looking tense. Nervous.
Reluctantly, she forced herself to sit.
The First Apostle clasped his hands in his lap. “You should understand something about the Marks, young one. They often attempt to choose those children of Uldar who are best suited for their roles. Champions arise from those who—if they are not outright warriors—possess a will to fight. Sages are sought from our brothers and sisters with strong inner mana. Saints are drawn from those who possess an especially strong dedication to Uldar. Chosen…” He paused.
“The Chosen arises from Thameish youth gifted with courage, the potential for leadership, strong faith, physical capability and deep mana. As they are the greatest of Uldar’s Heroes, they are not merely commonplace individuals. The same cannot be said of the Fool.”
The First Apostle clasped his hands in prayer. “Uldar’s wisdom is as boundless as his love for the people who worship him, and in this wisdom, he foresaw that the Heroes would need a force to bind them, or bring unity to them in all ways; whether that was to ready their equipment, resolve disputes, or serve as the heart of their group. In other words, a companion to offer support from behind. While Uldar’s wisdom is boundless, those who his Marks choose, at times…”
He paused, searching for words. “...are not the wisest. They do not understand their role, like the one who is the subject of our story. That Fool was a young knight named Cain, who came from a country household. In his holy pursuit to serve his kingdom, he had trained both his skill as a warrior, and learned rudimentary miracles through his faith. He was not the most talented of individuals, but he did seem to have a bright future ahead of him. And then, his future brightened further when he was blessed with the Mark of the Fool.”
Carey couldn’t help herself. She grimaced. “How did his future brighten further? The Mark would have taken away the skills he was proud of and made his future darker, not brighter.”
The First Apostle shook his head. “No, my child, that is narrow thinking. Too often do children of Uldar discount the Fool. In Uldar’s wisdom, he determined that the Heroes needed someone in that role. The Fool serves as their heart—a body cannot live without a heart, can it? Past Fools have been able to help their Heroic companions destroy the Ravener, then go on to live quiet, but successful lives afterward. That is reward enough.”
Carey shifted uncomfortably in the pew.
There was a time when she would have strongly agreed with him. But now, she couldn’t help but question every word she’d been told by Alrich’s priests.
“When a child is born,” the First Apostle said. “It dreams all the time, both at night and during the day. Peasant children dream of being knights. Children of knights dream of being lords. Young lordlings imagine kingdoms of their own. Such dreams are harmless.” His look turned stern. “But as one becomes an adult, one must put away childish dreams. Peasant children are, in fact, often needed on the farm, and do not have the necessary skills to become good knights. A child from a knight’s household must serve their lords in battle, or serve their king in some other way, perhaps through the priesthood. The children of lords must grow up to rule their vassals, and not turn their blades against their monarchs. It is mature to accept what one can change, and what one cannot. In adulthood, one must accept responsibility and duty. But, unfortunately, Cain could not leave his childish dreams aside. He refused to wake up.”
The First Apostle made a chopping motion with his hand. “At first, he tried forcing himself into the role of a combatant, putting his companions at constant risk when they were made to rescue him. Soon, he felt the need to take on the responsibility of leader, usurping the Chosen’s divine role. When neither way worked, he rebelled, rather than accept the gifts and life path Uldar had handed him.”
The sound of teeth grinding came from the pew as the high priest’s jaw flexed. “We do not know if low cunning or an unhappy accident led him to the knowledge that dungeon cores could be controlled by Uldar’s followers, but he somehow discovered it and used the information to build an army of monsters, then went about his business carving out his own kingdom within Uldar’s divine kingdom. Bandits and other ne’er-do-wells joined his banner and he styled himself as a sort of general of this personal army of his. It was folly.”
“But why can—” Carey started.
The First Apostle held up a hand. “Allow me to finish, young one. Many lives were lost in the ensuing struggle. The Sage of that cycle died in battle and it cost five long years or suffering for the Ravener to be finally destroyed, and it was all due to the Fool’s folly and selfishness. By the time the mad dog was defeated, Thameland had lost more than in the entirety of the prior three cycles. His actions were shameful.” He went quiet, breathing steadily. “Dungeon cores can be ground to powder and used to make different items, which are valuable to the Heroes. Those are the spoils of war which Uldar has blessed us with. But to use the enemy’s armies for one’s own gain? That can only spawn tyrants, tyrants worthy of death. Our branch of the church has worked tirelessly for generations to prevent such tragedies. We are not always successful, but we have been able to hide such terrible knowledge from Uldar’s kingdom. And so we keep his children safe.”
“But why can we control dungeon cores?” Carey was determined to get an answer. “And why only those of us who worship Uldar? What possible reason could there be for that?”
“That is a divine mystery,” the First Apostle said. “We know, from our oldest scriptures, that the practise was forbidden, but Uldar’s word on the subject has been lost.” For the first time, a look of utter sorrow crossed his face. “Records from the first half dozen cycles have been lost to time, and sadly, details are near impossible to come by from those earlier days. I can tell you that for many reasons, I regret this, not the least of which is because I cannot offer you Uldar’s words to satisfy your curiosity and soothe your anxieties. But, we have seen why such things harm humanity.”
“Oh, please, you must think me quite stupid if you believe that I’d be satisfied with your non-answer!” she said, her hands balling into fists. “My people—our people have suffered for untold generations, and you’re telling me that no one has questioned why we can control the ultimate tools of our god’s greatest enemies? And please, spare me lectures about how Uldar speaks through silence, and how his word lies in mystery. Too many people have suffered because of that. You cannot tell me that—in your heart of hearts—you have never questioned why we can control dungeon cores!”
“I have, child,” Izas suddenly said. “In my younger days—when I first learned the truth, I questioned. But I also looked at the evidence: every time a child of Uldar had taken up the weapon of the enemy, things had ended in disaster for all. I also wondered if lost records had offered more explanation, or even if there was some sinister plot that past priests had undertaken. But, in the end, the knowledge we have is enough. Uldar protects us.”
He lowered his head. “And we must continue to feed him our faith, and show him our gratitude. Which leads me to this question, when we took you away from the influence of those foreigners, you were wearing the symbol of Alric’s Saint. Why would that be? Why put your faith in a Saint when that saint follows a god?”
Carey flinched, reaching for her chain. The symbol of the Traveller was gone, along with her other possessions.
“Where is my bag?” she asked nervously, thinking of what Professor Jules had assigned to her. If they started fiddling with it… “Where are my belongings?”
“All of your possessions are safe, my child,” Izas said.
“But where are they?” she pressed. Something told her not to tell them exactly what was in her bag. The more information she kept to herself, the better.
“How can you do any of this? You say I don’t put my faith in Uldar, but you are kidnapping and hurting people! And you have all of these terrible secrets!”
She stood up. “How? How can you justify yourself? This isn’t supposed to be Uldar’s way: it’s not what we were taught.”
“Oh, young one,” the First Apostle sighed. “Our order is meant to be secret. We are the guardians of the cycle. We move in shadow so that others can live in Uldar’s light. We act out of Uldar’s will, just as the Heroes do. But where they fight under the sun, we fight under the darkest of nights.”
“How can you be so sure of what he wishes?” she demanded.
“Because he tells me his wishes,” the First Apostle said calmly.
Silence followed.
“He…he speaks to you?” she stammered.
“The First Apostle has a holy privilege that no other can enjoy,” Izas said. “Through the greatest of his servants, Uldar speaks to him, as he has for generations. While we must listen to the whispers of the world to hear Uldar’s word…to the First Apostle, he speaks a little clearer.”
“And it is his will that the cycle continues,” the First Apostle said. “You asked how we could let such a thing go on? I will tell you. Thameland’s cycles of battling against the enemy not only strengthens our people, but also empowers our god’s divine purpose. He promised us that—one day—the cycles will end. But, if we, his servants, make them end by way of random circumstance?”
The ‘young’ man shook his head. “Catastrophe will befall each and every one of us. The land will wither and die. All will be destroyed. This is what was told to the First Apostle who came before me. And it was then told to me. That is why we must do everything for Uldar.”
Carey shuddered at those words.
She had once promised to give everything she could to end the cycles. To save her people. Now these priests were claiming they must give everything to continue the cycles of suffering.
It was almost like hearing her own past words repeated to her through a monstrous mirror.
She couldn’t stand it.
“Is that why you have kidnappers working for you?” she sniffed. “And murderers? You plan to kill me if I don’t cooperate with you?”
“We do,” the First Apostle said. “Our hands are not sinless, but anyone can do Uldar’s will if they believe. And—sometimes—Uldar’s duties require unpleasant sacrifices. Just as one cannot win a war without death, one cannot serve their god’s divine purpose without sacrifice, even if it’s simply by way of prayer and faith to empower our god. And that is not without its rewards.”
The First Apostle raised his hand.
A soft blue light with a gentle warmth began radiating from it.
At one time, the sight of that light would have filled Carey with comfort.
Now, it only made her skin crawl.
“He blesses his priests with miracles,” he continued. “He gives us a fine, fertile land. He grants us this place for our home and church, a place hidden from the eyes of most. His people are wealthy and well cared for. Is that not enough?” He paused for some time before speaking again.
“Now, young one, don’t you think it’s time you answered some of our questions? Tell me, how many people know of the dungeon cores?”
Carey bristled, opening her mouth to scream at him.
“Not many,” the words leapt from her mouth. “Baelin knows, and Professor Jules, and a few others.”
Her heart hammered.
“What?” she cried, her hands clamping over her lips.
“Do the Holy Chosen and the Holy Champion know as well?” the First Apostle asked.
“Ye—” Her treacherous lips moved. She pressed her fingers against them firmer, but they also betrayed her, peeling away on their own. “—es. They do. What is happening?”
The First Apostle raised his glowing hand. “Uldar grants me many gifts because of my abiding love for him. This divinity is the Light of Truth. Under its glow, all in Thameland must speak the truth. You will answer me.”
“No—Yes, I will answer you,” she contradicted herself.
Panicking, Carey tried to leave, but felt a sudden surge of mana.
Glowing chains formed around her, enwrapping her body, forcing her to stay in place.
“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that,” Izas said. “We’ve answered so many of your questions, now you must answer ours.”
“No, let me go!” she cried.
“Give us the names of all those who know that followers of Uldar can control dungeon cores,” the First Apostle said.
“I…Carey London,” she stammered. “Alex Roth, Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp.”
‘No! Stop!’ she cried, trying to seal her lips, bite her tongue, or do anything to stop from speaking. ‘Someone…Traveller please! If you can hear this! Please help me! Save me!’
A steadying warmth filled her chest.
“What?” the First Apostle shouted. “How are you doing that?”
Carey’s mouth stilled.
The warmth of Uldar’s light shifted, as though funnelled to a far distant place.
“What have you done?” Izas demanded. “What have you done?”
###
Author's Note
Hello twenty-three cool fools, almighty chosen, wise sages, and mighty champions! Thank you for your support!
So, there's some irony in this chapter that's not going to be apparent until...ooooh ten to fifteen chapters from now. God I cannot wait.
Cya tomorrow!
Comments
Yinka
I'm interested in the potential fallout with the wizards and church. Regardless of the results, there's no way this secret cabal will not be in some capacity exposed and consequences dealt with.
Dennis
I wouldn't be surprised if he was actually Cain and just manipulating the history to hide behind.
mant06
It would be quite the irony if the second(former?) apostle is depetrified and reveals humility to be the Fool's purpopse.
mant06
If the Fool's original purpopse was to teach the heroes humility by showing that given the right circumtances anyone can catch up or surpass them. Then a part of their purpopse could also have been to help the heroes grow, like Alex has done, by learning and teaching them needed skills and abilities or finding them teachers to do.
mant06
It would be quite the irony if the secret church would have to try and conquer Thameland with the cores. Perhaps after losing credibility with the faith in general?
rendterna
"I'm the only one who can hear what our god says, now do what I say for I speak for our god." That's so convenient, it almost doesn't sound real for some reason.
rendterna
All the other heroes start with insane boosts to their abilities, but, at least without the restrictions placed upon the Fool later on, the early Fools could likely make a mockery of those bonuses as the war goes on. Add the typical character of the Fool and their role in keeping the party together, and I think you hit the nail on the head with "mocking their kings to keep them grounded". They aren't gods. They just started further ahead than others.
Jmc mc
I think they are zealots this servant who uldar speaks through is a Ravenel spawn and they don't know because their faith is blind, also I'm kind of hung up on the symbology of the marks, the chosen for instance has a scale as a mark don't they? Pretty obvious metaphor for balance, but the fool mark originally had no downside so why was the image a jester, maybe they were intended for a different purpose, some jesters are portrayed as mocking their kings to keep them grounded ego wise. Not sure how that applies but I'm loving the story
mant06
Thats atleast a good official story.
Fleetpanda
Dude lied with just about every sentence. Says using monsters is disastrous while using them, says the fool is useless while probably knowing full well that “the fool being useless” is propaganda. I’m guessing the story about Cain is probably twisted too, as he sounds like Alex. I’m sticking with my theory that the first apostle is either an ancient Chosen who didn’t want to play second fiddle to the fool, or he’s a fool who decided the only ones who could beat him are other fools. Either way, I get the impression that this is the guy that made it so fools have restrictions.
BelligerentGnu
Hah, get fucked, priest.
rendterna
What I'm hearing is that the Fool was already cursed to be useless before the 21st cycle... And the 21st Fool was foolish for thinking he could carve out a place for himself using a dungeon core within the nation the priesthood had carved out for themselves using the Ravener itself. Yes, quite foolish. I can see why the First Apostle would mock him for such a desire.
MockingBird
Completely agree. He orchestrates tragedies and empowers his chosen cycle after cycle to build up devotion amongst the sheep to grow in divinity. He's a prime example as to why Balin looks down on the divine. Wizards work for power, God's use others.
Metool
The Ravener is just an AI that consumes.
rendterna
* Dungeon cores are really just golem cores made of superior materials similar to but opposite of chaos essence (divinity?). * "The Ravener" is depicted as just a really big dungeon core the heroes must destroy. * The Ravener follows rules about only producing certain monsters when someone gets close to the truth, and the big ones are made to self-destruct when they succeed or to prevent the truth from being discovered by more. * The Ravener has rules to tell the priesthood (and work with them) when the truth begins to spread. Pretty sure the Ravener is just Uldar's golem and not responsible for Uldar's disappearance unless it was itself taken over and ordered to do so by, perhaps, a priesthood who refused to wake up. Truly a priestly folly to put forced servitude to their god above all else and damn those, even their god, who might try to stop them. Let's not forget how the Ravener pressured Drestra's people after they refused to convert when the priesthood demanded it.
Daniel
If he can communicate of Uldar... Why does he not know? Did Uldar forget? I would imagine he can remember everything because he gave the fool those powers.
T3iain
I agree lol no waiting
Kendelle Trotter
What if the original Uldar was actually The Fool but the Ravener killed him and changed his name so that he would be someone mocked instead of being the true leader of the group?
Catherine
You know you said you could not wait for those next 15 chapters and I don’t think you should. Follow your heart and give them all to us now :)
ItWasIDIO!!
God is dead long live the Ravaner #missing 12 cycles The greatest trick the Ravener did was becoming Uldar #it only took 9 for the fool to be the joke of the group
