Chapter 46: Chapter 40 – An End to an Era

"I can feel it. The end is near. My time… has come.

 

It has been a couple weeks now since I was pretty much confined in bed, unable to even walk on my own two feet anymore. My body… has grown frail and fragile, and weakness like never before has assaulted me of late. At least having fit grandchildren available to help meant I am spared the utter indignity of soiling myself on the bed because I was no longer able to walk to the bathroom though.

 

Now that I know for certain that my life is about to come to an end, I couldn't help but reminisce about my past. When all three of my children were still alive and by my side. We were poor then, and lived in constant dread that the whims of our overlords could have taken everything from us.

 

I had spent half my life, forging a nation I hoped would be better, where life for my grandchildren and their children would be happy, without the fear and dread that had always permeated my own life. I cannot say the task is complete yet. Vitalica is but a nascent nation barely getting up on her own two feet, and I am loath to have to abandon it so soon.

 

And yet, my greatest regret is that I could have never shown Aideen - my late daughter, not my granddaughter - this life of peace and prosperity. Nor had Caelleach stayed to witness our progress.

 

I just hope if there is an afterlife, we would one day be reunited, and that I could show them the fruits of my labors, that took the rest of my life to do.

 

I hope that my lost children… would have approved of what I have achieved." - Final Entry in the diary of Theodin Fiachna, Pope Emeritus of the Theocracy of Vitalica, circa 47 VA.

Fiachna mansion, La Fiachna, Theocracy of Vitalica, fifth day of the third week of the second month, year 47 VA.

 

Everyone in the family - except Maebh and Éirynn, who were being cared for by Akeshia's mother downstairs - had gathered in Theodin's room that evening. The Pope's health had been on a constant decline for the past months, and that very noon, it had taken a turn for the worst.

 

He had fallen unconscious shortly after his lunch, which he barely ate, and only regained consciousness moments ago. He had asked for his family to gather, and also to have Amaryllis, his named successor as pope, summoned in a weak voice.

 

Aideen had ran to the chapel, fetched Amaryllis, and came back with her in a hurry, and the middle aged woman still panted in exhaustion from the short run between the chapel and the mansion.

 

She knew they were all gathered here to hear what was likely Theodin's final words.

 

"Everyone… is here… I see," muttered the old man from his bed.

 

Aideen's heart clenched when she saw just how old and fragile her once cheerful, robust grandfather had become. Just a year ago he still ran around with his great grandchildren as he played with them, but now…

 

Now he lay dying on his bed, his every breath ragged and shallow. The light in his eyes still held on, but she had checked.his physical condition before this. She knew this to be the last embers in a once roaring bonfire.

 

"Amaryllis… you will be Papess once I passed… please guide the people well… coordinate with Ciarran and Orwen for matters abroad, they will know better on those," he said as he turned to address his successor with blurry eyes.

 

"Yes, uncle Theodin," said Amaryllis as she suppressed a sob. Since her father and Theodim were close friends, she had long seen him as an uncle, and now grieved for his impending end. "I promise to abide by your instructions."

 

"Ciarran," said the old dying man as he turned to his son next.

 

"I am here, father."

 

"I know you are already grooming Faerghus to replace you, that is good. Please help ensure the safety of our nation with everyone. I entrust them to your capable hands."

 

"I will strive not to disappoint your wish, father," Ciarran said as he bowed, then he turned aside to hide the tears that threatened to roll down his cheeks.

 

"Aoife, are you there?"

 

"Yes, Father in law?"

 

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"I never said it out loud before, but I truly thank you for everything you have done for us. You and your master have given us a new lease on life, and for that, I only have gratitude."

 

"I shall convey your gratitude to my master, father. I am sure he will be pleased to hear that."

 

"Once again, thank you, for everything."

 

"It was my pleasure to help… and I can't say I walked out from the experience without gains of my own."

 

The dying old man exchanged knowing looks with his daughter in law, who was also the person responsible for aiding his greatest labor until it came to fruitition. They exchanged nods, and Aoife went to console her husband by the side.

 

"Fearghus, Diarmuid, Aideen, attend me please, children."

 

Aideen stepped forward towards the bed where her grandfather lay, while her brothers and their respective spouses went and stood beside her. They all looked sadly as their grandfather, unwilling to part, yet powerless to do anything.

 

"We are here, grandfather," Faerghus said on behalf of them all.

 

"You all… will be the pillars of the next generation. The responsibilities will be on your shoulders eventually as we of the older generation pass on. Please do us proud, and falter not when the time comes for you to shoulder them."

 

"We promise, grandfather," all three said in unison.

 

"Thank you, my children… with this… I can rest in peace…" mumbled the old man as he gave a weak smile at his grandchildren. "Please leave me now… I am tired… I wish to rest a bit."

 

As they nodded, Theodin closed his eyes, and soon he had snored softly, very softly that if one had not paid close attention, they would have thought that the old man passed on already.

 

It was a sleep he would never awaken from, as around midnight that night, Theodin Fiacha, the first Pope of the church of Vitalis in the Theocracy of Vitalica, passed away and entered his eternal slumber.

 

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When Theodin opened his eyes, he was astounded to find his body robust and healthy again. Even more astounding, was where he stood. On top of a white cloud, with the open skies all around him. It was much like a depiction of heaven as he had heard in stories before.

 

Then his attention was attracted by the sight of a glowing, white figure. The glow was so bright he could not discern any feature from the figure, yet in his heart of hearts, he was filled with contentment, and the desire to worship the figure before him.

 

Instinctively, he knew he stood before the Deity he had often prayed to, and wondered if he had indeed been granted entry to the heavenly afterlife.

 

"Welcome, Theodin Fiachna, child of light, returned to the embrace of light~" echoed a melodic voice of indeterminate gender from the figure, as Theodin instinctively knelt on his knees and genuflected before their presence.

 

"Your arrival, had been awaited~"

 

When he heard those words, Theodin felt as if he had just gained reassurance that everything he had done throughout his life, had been of a worthwhile cause.

 

He rose with a smile as the figure bade, and followed behind them as bidden.

 

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