Mythologies

How can we discern the truth? What even constitutes a truth from a lie? Are we all living in falsehoods? If so, who is the deceiver? Is it a greater power? Or is it our own mind? Who is orchestrating this symphony of deception? Who is this Maestro, and who is the Herald of Truth? Who am I in all this?

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Mr. Ren and I left Miss Zaloneas, her words still echoing in my mind. There was so much information to process: the origin of the world, the rift, and the Chalice. It was all so overwhelming.

But then again, did I really need to spend time thinking about it?

I suppose the only thing that really mattered was my desire to feel less lonely. I would simply go with Mr. Ren and Lady Scarlet to achieve that. If they chose to enter the rift, I would follow. If they didn’t and accepted that the world would end, I would be fine with that too.

The only thing Miss Zaloneas had mentioned that stuck with me, was the sense that Mr. Xilu seemed extremely lonely. I didn’t like that; I felt sorry for him. If I had gotten to know him and we were friends, perhaps he would have felt less lonely. In the same way, I now feel less lonely with Lady Scarlet and Mr. Ren.

Perhaps sensing that I was lost in my thoughts, Mr. Ren paused and knelt to meet my gaze.

“That was a lot to take in, kid. How’re you holding up?”

One of the things I really liked about Mr. Ren was that he seemed to understand my thoughts. How could he do that? Was he magical? He felt like a knight coming to my rescue, so perhaps he was.

My family never seemed to notice when I was feeling scared, lonely, or in pain, especially when they were the ones causing it. I thought that was normal. However, Mr. Ren and Lady Scarlet suggested that this was abnormal. Perhaps all this time, my family had been deceiving me. Maybe they were the biggest liars of all.

“I’m ok,” I responded to Mr. Ren.

He smiled and put his hand on my head. I briefly flinched despite knowing he wasn’t going to hit me. He rustled his hand through my hair. I liked it when he did this.

“That’s good to hear, kid.”

As he was doing this, a group of people in matching robes approached us. They all wore similar robes adorned with an insignia that was common throughout the camp. I had seen these individuals around the camp before, but they had never approached us until now.

“Hello Child, I am Father Maxwell from the Church of Xilu. Would you be willing to spare a few minutes to listen to the Book of Xilu?”

Father? I didn’t know I had more than one Father. I had always been told to obey my Father, so I had better behave and listen; otherwise, I may be due for a walloping. Besides, if the Chalice was so powerful, then it would make sense for the book to also hold great power.

“We don—” Mr Ren began before my response cut him off. “Yes, Father.”

Mr. Ren sighed, looking at me with a mix of frustration and resignation. Perhaps I shouldn’t have agreed to this and left it for him to handle, but I didn’t know how to say no to people yet. Especially not someone claiming to be my second Father.

“Excellent Child. As I mentioned, I am Father Maxwell from the Church of Xilu.”

“Church of Xilu? What’s that?” I asked, hoping my question wouldn’t anger Second Father.

“Well, Child, we carry the word of Xilu. As I am sure you know, Xilu is almighty and all-knowing and has decided that the world will end.”

I had just heard this from Miss Zaloneas, so I responded with a nod.

“The Chalice serves as a test of true faith in Xilu, distinguishing those with genuine belief from those tempted by deception. Those who seek the Chalice do not return, for Xilu smites them down.” He paused for a moment. “So, child, join us as we praise Xilu for his great wisdom.”

He extended his hand, and several other robed men took it, closing their eyes.

“Our Xilu, Praise be thy name. For thy power is mighty and loving.” Father Maxwell spoke.

The rest of the robed individuals called out in response, “Praise be Xilu.”

“Now, it can be confusing to understand the teachings of Xilu. Please take a copy of this information to read at your convenience. If you believe in the teachings of Xilu, we welcome you to join us for our daily prayers. Praise be to Xilu,” Father Maxwell announced.

“Praise be Xilu.” The robed men responded.

I took a copy of the piece of paper, but since I couldn’t read it, I didn’t know what it said. Taking the paper seemed to please Father Maxwell, and he left with a smile. I didn’t fully understand my second Father, but at least he didn’t hit me like my first Father did.

“Kid, why did you agree to listen to those nutjobs?” Mr Ren asked after Father Maxwell and the other robed men left.

“Was I not supposed to? Were they crazy? That man said he was my Father; I was told to obey my Father. Was he lying?” I asked in quick succession. There was so much about the world I didn’t know.

“Kid, when he said ‘Father,’ he was talking about some religious figure. It doesn’t mean he’s your dad; you don’t have to listen to him.” He paused for a moment. “Besides… the only father figure you really have now is—”

Mr. Ren suddenly stopped speaking. His gaze darted away, and for some reason, I thought I saw his cheeks turn a faint red. But why? Was he embarrassed? Did he bite his tongue? Confused, I tilted my head, but he didn’t say anything more.

For the rest of our walk back, Mr. Ren remained mostly quiet. The only thing he did was reach out and take my hand. Probably so I wouldn’t wander off and get lost in the sea of tents—this camp was huge, after all.

Before long, we arrived back at Lady Scarlet’s tent. We heard a sharp bark just as we were about to step inside!

I peeked through the entrance, and there was Lady Scarlet, locked in a fierce battle with a tiny golden puppy. The little creature wriggled wildly, twisting and turning like a worm.

I knew what worms were because I would regularly be given them for dinner. They were small, slimy, and wiggly, just like that puppy. Although, I didn’t like the taste very much.

“Oh, good, you’re back.” She looked exhausted. “Mr. and Mrs. Dinklebottom’s dog had puppies, and I thought it would be nice for the kid to have a companion. This is Buddy; he’s yours, kid.”

A puppy. For me? I didn’t deserve a puppy. I had always been a bad girl. I was already causing so many issues for Lady Scarlet and Mr. Ren. Why did they spoil me so much?

The puppy slowly approached, and I bent down to pet it. As I did, it licked my hand, and I began to cry.

“Thank you, Lady Scarlet,” I muttered through my tears.

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End Chapter 7