Exiled by J. R. Wagner Read Free Book Online Page B

There are ways to live in peace, and we are bound to seek them, not ignore them by taking an easier road. We have been outcasts since the beginning of history. Because those who don’t believe are taking formal actions against us now is no reason to destroy them. Let them write us out of their history. We have our own historians, our own history. The higher road is ours to take.”
    “Now, the reason we gather is not to express our dissatisfaction of our relationship with our fellow man. We need not waste another minute discussing it. As I said, The Seer declared nothing of the sort. The Epoch Terminus approaches as Alvaro has mentioned. My search continues. I believe I am close to deciphering the last of the criteria. I request of the counsel that all resources available to it be at my disposal in order to once and for all find he who The Seer spoke of. Time runs swiftly.”
    The man removed an ornate pocket watch from his robes, opened the lid and shook his head with a concerned expression as he returned to his seat. Three others stood and moved to the lectern. The tallest of the three, a woman with straight black hair reaching past her waist, was the first to speak.
    “We have heard from our party leaders. It is apparent a rift exists.
    The man next to her picked up where she left off. “I fear indecision may cost lives.”
    The third, a woman spoke. “This is no time for impulse. We must find the anointed one or we all shall perish.
    “Akil, we grant you the authority to command the resources of the counsel. You have one rotation. May all speed and grace be with you,” the tall woman said.
    Akil stood and bowed. The fat man jumped to his feet. “It was this fool who unleashed that monster upon us and you’ll give him the authority to continue his nonsensical efforts?” he screamed, jowls shaking.
    “The fact that we have yet to find the anointed one tells us only that we’ve failed to recognize the severity of the circumstances, Alvaro. Akil may have taken missteps, but he alone has been active in this pursuit for such a time. Our focus is the Epoch Terminus and nothing else as so it should be for all of us. With respect to the unfaithful, every one of us is to blame for our inability to coexist. Remember that when you return to your homes,” the smaller woman said, looking out over the crowd. “ We all have failed. In one rotation, we shall meet at Skara Brae.”
    Not another word was spoken. David Ogilvy led Stuart to the edge of the plateau, and a moment later they were back in the parliament basement. The scene faded to white then reformed. It was the very same room the three of them sat watching Akil’s memory orb.
    Stuart was sitting at his desk when a flash of light by the door caused him to shield his eyes. When he lowered his hands, Matthew Ogilvy was standing by the door.
    “I apologize for barging in like this,” said Ogilvy, “but the time has come for us to discuss something of great importance.
    “Of course,” said Stuart, standing.
    “Brandy?” he asked, filling his own glass.
    “Please,” replied Ogilvy.
    Stuart poured a second glass and handed it to Ogilvy.
    “There is someone else who will be joining us, “ Ogilvy said after sipping his drink.
    Just then there was a flash of light and the Akil Karanis stood in the doorway. He immediately smiled when he saw Stuart.
    “James Stuart, meet Akil Karanis,” Ogilvy said.
    “The older man balled his right fist, pressed it into his left palm and bowed slightly. Stuart returned his greeting with a nod.
    Akil pointed to the brandy and asked if he could help himself. Stuart hastily handed him his own glass, reassuring him that he had just poured it, and fixed himself another.
    “Shall we sit?” Akil asked, assuming the role of host.
    “I have asked David to introduce you and I, Mr. Stuart. I’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time.”
    “You’ve been looking forward to meeting me?” Stuart asked.
    “‘Indeed,” he