PART FIFTY-SIX:
Time waits for no devil:
“A merchant, a fish and a scraggly old lady. To what purpose and proceed is all this charade?” Bellowed the ‘fly-lord’, while clumps of misty substances were emitting from his physical form. “Your idea of sneaking schemes here and there, is taking up too much time. An element of which unfortunately, I do not have enough of.” He glared at Xitus the second monitor, as his eyes went from two sinister slits to an almost flat line. Xitus was the monitor in charge of human relations and interaction.
He and his team spent most of their operative time, monitoring the actions, movements and habitual desires of the mortals.
They were able to familiarize themselves with the humans, from the data provided and collected by these intense observations. Their detailed diligence and desperate determination, provided for them results. An outcome that when used by the monitors, against their subjects. Would make them appear, like mind readers to the foolish beings. They had no such sovereign abilities of course. Nevertheless, it helped their operation and occupation in enemy territory. As long as the humans thought them to be omniscient, it lowered their guards and lessened any effort at opposition.
That way, they had either no desire or a periodically diluted inclination. To resist or fight what they believed or perceived to be inevitable and/or unchangeable. “My lord,” began the monitor bowing his head. “To deal with the humans, is to deal with their will. Nothing gets done or significantly achieved, until they make the choice. And that they always do constantly, consciously or otherwise.” The ‘fly-lord’ grunted, which caused Xitus to stop abruptly. But the dark master merely waved away, an image that shot through the large mirror. When he was satisfied that the nuisance was gone, he turned back his cold and menacing stare on the monitor.
Taking that as permission to continue with his narrative, Xitus did just that. “Now we could rob them of that cognizance, through a state of hypnotic suspension. Where we create a vacuum, that allows us to fill it with the motives and reactions we decide. Or we stay vigilante to any act of defiance or rebellion, that will unconsciously release and remove any trace of morality. Thereby giving us legal entry and access, to use their faculty as we want and deem necessary.” The monitor stopped and waited to see if his lord had any reaction. The glare was unflinching, so Xitus continued.
“However, that method is too extensive for a fluid and daily performance. So we work, using what we already know they are in tune with. The things, people and situations, that they are connected and attracted to. In other words, we simply latch on to what is already faulty and wicked inside of them. Intertwining our plans intricately, with what we have studied to be their weaknesses. Then we let them do the whole work.” The second monitor, stopped his speech yet again. He saw that the ‘fly-lord’ was slowly dissipating into a cloud of black smoke.
The master of darkness was rapidly being transformed into his very own nature and substance. Strangely engulfed in tongues of flames produced by his physical manifestation. Xitus watched and waited for instructions, or even the usual interruptions. Anything that would give him an idea, of how or when to proceed with his duty breakdown. Instead, it was as if the fiery lord was unimpressed by the monitor’s scintillating schematics. “I have only a short time. We must move quickly!” Was all his master provided, before evaporating as thick soot.
Hope and it will happen:
“I am afraid master Zunid, his royal highness the prince. Will not be riding his horse today.” The prince’s aide and chaperone, informed the boy. He had been waiting by the stables, like he often did on their riding days. He always came in much earlier and was ready, before the prince came out and joined him. “Oh,” exclaimed the young lad in surprise at first. “I didn’t know that,” he finished. The disappointment in his voice, unmistakable. “Is he well? Did he come down with something?” He proceeded to ask, because it was quite unlike the prince. He would send word to him in advance, if he was not up to riding that day.
To not show up without a reason, had Zunid concerned for his friend. “His royal highness, is in absolute good health.” Answered the aide, with an assuring smile. "He is spending time with the king at this time.” He concluded, feeling a tinge of sympathy for the boy. He knew Zunid, a son of one of the royal counselors/magistrates. He had been the prince’s friend and riding partner, for some time now. The aide also knew that it meant a lot to him, the times he hung out with the young royal. It was often the highlight of his week. Having observed in the past, the kindness the prince extended to his friend. The chaperone decided to follow suit, convinced his highness would be pleased.
“Here, how about this?” He submitted to the forlorn guest, after short pause and second thoughts. “Why don’t I have you, wait for his royal highness in the ‘Grand Tea Room’. You can look through the royal albums or read a book while you wait.” The assistant offered, not sure how much longer the prince would be with his father.
“Then when he is finished meeting with the king. I will let his highness know, that you are here.” He finished, with a satisfactory grin. Expecting and seeing the hope, that alighted in the young royal guest as he spoke. “Oh, that would be so kind of you. Thank you.” Responded Zunid, relieved and excited at the suggestion/plan. “Very well then,” agreed the aide. As he led the boy, towards a large shiny oak double door. “This way please, to the tea room.” He said, leading them both inside.
Advance and contract payment:
“I am glad you were able to wait,” started the prince. Now sitting at the head of the long dining table, in the ‘Grand Tea Room’. His friend leaning into his every word, from the right side. “I did feel tired earlier today. And then I wanted to fill my father in, on some projects that I had been working on.” Prince Amil explained, looking around the spacious but elegantly furnished room. He wanted them to move to a more casual and comfortable corner. He shortly spotted some cushioned seats and a round table, at the far end of the big room.
Quickly grabbing his plate of snacks and cup, he began to head over there. His friend in tow, almost skipping excitedly. When they got to the padded chairs, they found it relaxing. And also high enough, to swing their legs. The prince was feeling happy. His father had been pleased,with what he had done with the ‘REINAH Project’ so far. The king knew it was somewhat of a heavy and intense project, for a boy. Yet the ruler also knew, that his son was not just any boy. He was a special young man. A crown prince, being prepared for the weight and uneasiness. That came with the throne and reigning.
“So,” the prince began. As they both chewed on snacks and drank their fruit juices. “What did you find out about the girl, that is being searched for? Are you part of the search team? And have they made you a payment or an offer yet?”
“Ermmm….” Zunid managed, in between a bite and a slurp. Trying to pick which one of the sudden barrage of questions, to answer first. “I have still not been asked to search. So I am not a part of any team yet.” The young guest took a swig of his refreshing drink and continued. “It looks like they may have run into some problems though.”
“Problems?” Interjected the prince immediately. “Yes,” the boy began to answer. “I heard that one of the main search team's boys, might be missing.” “Interesting,” responded prince Amil pensively. “A team in search of someone, loses one of theirs. Hmmm….” He appeared to trail off, but proceeded with his interrogation. “So did you hear anything, about the identity and/or origin of the girl in question?” “No,” started Zunid. “I did not get her name or origin. But I understand that the first guy recruited, knows her name and who she is. He had told his search team, that the girl used to help out his aunt in her flower/plant shop at the market place.” Zunid supplied simply and factually.
The young guest, had closed his eyes momentarily. To savor the next delicious bite, on his plate. Munching delightedly, while enjoying his companion's presence and the room’s ambiance. When he opened his eyes, there was a wad of new and crispy legal tender notes on the small round table. Placed right next to his plate. “What is this for?” He asked, simultaneously lowering his food back into the flat plate. “Advance payment,” answered the prince watching him closely. “Payment for what?” Asked a stunned Zunid. “I still have not gotten you the information you requested,” he protested. “You will,” decided the young royal. “How?” The guest wanted to know. “By visiting every flower/plant shop in the market place.” Finished the prince.
.