Chapter 6: First Interregnum: Present Day

A soft mist flowed about the forest and drifted slowly with the gentle breeze. As the sun rose on Tantalus, the mysterious hidden capital of the empire, clouds rimmed mountains. The sounds of animals and birds along with the rustle of leaves drifted to the two people who stood watching the dawn.

“Lovely, isn’t it? I do so enjoy mornings.” A slender brown haired, blue eyed, woman gazed around, then looked at her companion. Of medium height and unremarkable features he stood gazing up at the clouds, his expression troubled.

“Do not be upset, whatever trouble they, whoever they may be, are getting into I am sure that it will pass. Let’s walk, the forest always calms you.” Looking over her shoulder, she took a few steps away, then stopped. “You really are worried?”

The man stood quite still, his expression changing from troubled to serious.

“I do not like what I see.” Glancing at the woman, “You still have faith, I have none. Just faith in the ability of people to work to their own self-interest and so cause trouble to others. They will use and abuse anyone they can, even the best of them at times. What the worst would do, well, you have seen that in the deep past for yourself.”

The woman stepped back her hands raised. “I only wish to forget!” Her hand criss-crossed several times in front of her face. “Do not remind me!”

“If you forget, it will only happen again.” The man was unmoved. “You, all of us, we must learn so that we can see better and act better.” Then he paused, “What I have seen must be attended to.” He took several paces away then turned. “If left unattended, disaster is inevitable. I can only hope it is not already too late.”

The woman moved to stand closer, searching the man’s immobile face. She studied it, searching for a clue.

“So you have seen something. Can it be undone?”

Standing still and looking up, there was a fraction of silence. “All is not yet lost, but I guarantee nothing.”

With a deep sign, he lowered his face, turned and faced the woman. “I invoke the council. Tell them.” Was spoken with the clear sound of decision.

As the woman disappeared under the shadowed branches, the man turned his face to the sky.

“So it begins.” He murmured, looking deep into space.

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