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• 1A: In the center of Shalem there stood about Sar Malphas a ring of eleven priests of the city, would-be Eyes of Azul to a man, armed alike and clad in cloaks of scarlet and black. And above Malphas there was lifted a black banner embroidered with the device of the city of Adan, trailing in the sea-scented wind. And a great multitude was gathered in the square: both merchants and sailors, laborers from the quays, and women bearing children in their arms. Many stood upon the roofs and balconies round about, desiring not so much to hear the proclamation of the prince as to witness the spectacle of him daring to make it. And Sar Malphas lifted up his voice and said: “Hear now, ye dwellers of Shalem, the utterances of the Red Dragon! For Lord Azul speaketh against the upstart prophet Avram son of Terah the stoneworker, this worker of petty wonders, whom the people in their blasphemy have newly named Uriel the Father of Light. And thou, Uriel, hast declared that thou art joined unto Ayat in body and in spirit.”
• 1B: “Ye hath no portion with the holy kindred of the gods! Therefore doth Azul pronounce thy life forfeit unto any willing hand that shall take it from thee.” And a voice in the crowd was heard to cry: “How darest thou arrogate unto thyself the authority to pronounce doom upon a subject of His Majesty Kar Melchizedek?” And Malphas answered, “I dare more than this, overweening maid; for I come in the name of my father, even Emperor Rimmon himself, and I utter the words spoken unto him by the mouth of the Red Dragon.” And the same voice answered and said: “Yet thou camest not in deputation before the sovereign of this city, according unto the custom of kings, neither art thou known unto any in Shalem by sight, save only unto this company of sycophants who compass thee about. And nothing testifieth that thou art a prince indeed of Adan, save this weather-worn banner which any pretender might have had wrought in secret by his mother’s hand!” And the people laughed openly, for the speech of the wan was bold.
• 1C: Then Sar Malphas was greatly angered, and said: “Behold how thou and thy Fallen Angel companions stand there, clad as the concubines of hill brigands! What sayest thou concerning thine own warrant, O wan of Shalem?” And the Fallen Angel replied: “What I say of myself mattereth little. Yet this I say unto thee: I shall bring thee into the house of my father, the silver-shod and gold-crowned sovereign ruler of this city, as thou shouldest have done from the beginning, before thou didst utter such proclamations in the public square.” And indeed it came to pass that after a while, Sar Malphas was brought into the presence of Kar Melchizedek within his inner hall. There attended the king only his daughter, the princess Lailah, and silent servants who stood afar off beside the walls. The chamber itself was modest in adornment, neither filled with singers and harpers, nor crowded with courtiers according to the manner of great kings; and this lack of ceremony escaped not the notice of Malphas, son of Rimmon.
• 1D: He perceived that Melchizedek desired not to contend openly before his subjects, lest shame or discord should arise within the city from the words of Azul. And Lailah, who, it was said, delighted in tumults, wore no garment befitting a princess, but remained clad in leather like the soldiers of Shalem, with a short blade at her side, and Shahar ha-Ruach lashed upon her back. Sar Malphas regarded this as a deliberate insult offered in her father’s court, and the prince said within himself: “Very well; if they cast such barbs, then shall barbs be returned unto them in equal measure.” Lailah came forward to the appointed place, and bowed herself upon one knee in accordance with the custom of the city. Yet Malphas remained standing, and would not abase himself before the king. Many of the king’s servants perceived that insolence came easily to the prince. When the king bade Lailah speak, she answered: “My father and liege-lord, this young man, Malphas by name, declareth himself to be a prince of the Imperial City.
• 1E: And he uttered calumnies this day in the Plaza of the Great Catch, whereof Hash Bodea hath doubtless already spoken in thine hearing. Yet no heralds attend him, neither any company of imperial couriers, but only priests of our city, men whose loyalty inclineth more toward Adan than toward Shalem and thy throne.” And Melchizedek heard her words in silence, yet chose not to rebuke Malphas for the breach of custom in refusing to kneel before the throne. After a while, the king answered: “I know of one young son of the Emperor who beareth that name. Yet such a one hath never journeyed abroad from Adan, neither was leave granted unto him to make proclamation within Shalem. Nevertheless, that leave I now grant. Therefore speak plainly, Malphas, and declare the cause of thy coming.” And Malphas answered: “Sire, were I but the son of a stonemason, like this Uriel who maketh mischief among men and troubleth the peace of the realm of Lord Azul, even then should I possess warrant to make proclamation within Shalem.”
• 1F: And the king said unto him: “How so?” And Malphas answered, saying: “Sire, I am made the very voice of the Red Dragon before men. The Emperor himself hath sent me hither, and I bear the utterances delivered unto him from the very mouth of Azul, for the telling of things that shall be. And this city yet lieth, though uneasily, within the wide-pathed inheritance of the House of Dimai, Father of Multitudes.” Kar Melchizedek answered, saying: “My daughter preserved thy life by bringing thee hither with haste; knowest thou this? Or did the priests whom thou hast suborned persuade thee that Shalemites would stand idle under such provocation? Had thy father himself come unto Shalem in thy stead, yet would he possess no authority to pronounce death within my city, for this pertaineth unto the throne of Shalem alone. By long custom, the giving of the scepter is without repentance, save only by defeat in war. And no king ruleth here by sufferance of the Dragon, but by ancient right and covenant.”
• 1G: And Malphas said: “Then, sire, I counsel thee that this Uriel be restrained with fetters, if not condemned to death.” But Kar Melchizedek answered calmly: “Not in haste, O Voice of Azul. My daughter Lailah holdeth this teacher in honour, and moreover she putteth many of his teachings into practice, which gladdeneth my heart beyond easy telling.” Malphas was troubled, and replied: “Sire, the doctrines favoured by thy daughter that are sown among the people tend toward rebellion against the divine order. Verily, they multiply through the land as corruption spreadeth through an open wound. Even now the river of pilgrims flowing unto Shalem seeking absolution from ritual impurity is said to diminish. The priests of this city have confessed unto me that they are constrained to demand twice the offering for their services, because the multitude of supplicants faileth from season unto season.” When he had spoken thus, the king regarded him with a countenance wherein pity and cold amusement were mingled together.
• 1H: Suddenly, Malphas perceived the purpose for which Melchizedek had ordained this audience to be held in private, apart from courtiers and captains and the hearing of the multitude. For no applause could be won there, neither could any stirring of the crowd lend strength unto his speech.Kar Melchizedek said: “I shall hear this Uriel with mine own ears, and afterward judge for myself whether his teachings truly disturb the peace of Lord Azul.” But the prince answered quickly, saying: “Have a care, Melchizedek! For I assure thee that my father will not delay even five heartbeats to bring this city, thus set in disorder, into subjection!” Hearing this, the princess was astonished; yet not by the rash and threatening words of Sar Malphas, but rather by the deadly calmness that still rested upon the countenance of her father after so grievous an indignity had been committed in his presence. But the king arose from his seat with great composure, and there was neither haste nor anger in his movements.
• 1I: And he said unto his daughter: “I commit the remainder of this matter wholly unto thee. Remember always that in the days to come thou shalt rule Shalem in my stead.” And Lailah bowed her head, and sank again upon one knee before the king, saying: “As thou commandest, my father.” When the king had departed, Lailah regarded the prince in disdainful silence. Then she drew Shahar ha-Ruach, and smote with it against the corner of a great stone table that stood within the chamber. The weapon uttered a hiss, and passed through the stone as though it had been but soft bread set beneath a knife. And the severed portion of the table fell heavily unto the floor, and broke apart. Malphas cried above the noise: “Cursed be thy weapon! In the name of Azul let it never again be noised in all Kemen!” And in that instant, the Windgate became but a lifeless black staff in the hand of Lailah. She stood speechless in bewilderment, her lips parted in astonishment at the thing which had come to pass.
• 1J: Then Malphas laughed bitterly: “Thinkest thou that Uriel alone worketh wonders among men? This weapon was the gift of one with authority over matter, fashioned by the hand of Ayat. Yet never was it suffered that thy father should place so terrible a thing into the grasp of his wilful child.” But Lailah recovered more swiftly than Malphas supposed. The astonishment faded, and she answered steadily: “A horse shall be given unto thee, together with provisions sufficient for thy journey unto the king’s garrison, which standeth thirty leagues eastward upon the road to Adan. Thou knowest the place whereof I speak?” Malphas answered: “Yea.” And Lailah said: “I shall send orders unto the commander thereof by thy hand. Abide thou there, Malphas, until my father hath heard Uriel preach with his own ears. Thereafter shall a messenger be sent with the king’s will. Yet hearken well unto me, son of Emperor Rimmon: shouldst thou ever again return unto this city, take heed that thou do so at the head of a mighty host.”
• 1K: Malphas answered: “Princess, in this matter thy counsel is sound. Thy father is foolish enough to give ear unto this common keeper of livestock, and thereby bring the sore affliction of war down upon his own city and people.” In the years that followed, the sermon which Uriel delivered before Melchizedek and the people of Shalem in the great hall was called by many the Evenide Discourse; for it began late in the day when the light of the Lake of Fire was failing. The teachings of the Father of Light were attended by luminous visions, which appeared more plainly as the brightness within the hall diminished, yet the people knew not whence they came. The first vision shown forth before the multitude was that of a bison. It was bright and solid in appearance, though it had no substance, being but the semblance of a dream. The beast stood where Uriel had stood. It faded slowly like an afterimage, as though the air itself had been seared by brightness.
• 1L: The people gathered in the throne room gasped aloud as wonder took hold; many who looked on believed that some mighty magic had been wrought before their eyes. Although the vision of the animal remained motionless, it could be seen clearly from every side by all who stood about, whether near or far. Ser Uriel stepped forth from the midst of the image, and paced around it as he said unto the people in a clear and powerful voice: “The thralls of Azul are said to be superior unto the beasts of the field, because they possess the power to order and control the world around them. Yet she who embraceth the way of Ayat is greater still, because she learneth to order and govern her own spirit and conduct.” Before the image of the bison had wholly faded from sight, there appeared suddenly the likeness of a company of priests, even the Eyes of Azul, standing together in a close band. Uriel, arrayed even as he had been from the beginning, stood in the midst of them, as though he were a fellow priest of their order.
• 1M: Ser Uriel walked forth from the midst of their image unhindered, and the vision of the priests was not disturbed by his passing. Many among the onlookers marveled at this thing, and wondered within themselves whether the air itself had truly been altered by the light, or whether the emptiness wherein the air was contained had in some wise been made to bear the image from some primeval light. And Uriel spoke again, saying: “The thralls of Azul are said to be famous among men, and to seek honor continually before the eyes of the multitude. Yet she who embraceth Ayat seeketh rather to set forth an example through her deeds, and thereby attaineth influence.” By the time Uriel finished speaking these words, the first image of the bison had become faint, and the likenesses of the band of priests seemed no more substantial than mist at evenfall. Then abruptly Uriel caused yet another vision to appear before the assembly, even the image of a storehouse being cast down and plundered by thieves.
• 1N: And Uriel said unto the people: “The thralls of Azul gather unto themselves many riches, yet are they unable to preserve all that they possess from loss and theft. But she who embraceth Ayat desireth little, and therefore counteth nothing taken from her save that which she truly needeth.” The vision of the bison had by then become indistinct, and the likenesses of the Eyes of Azul wavered like a mirage. Then Ser Uriel passed beyond the fading image of the storehouse unto an empty place within the hall, and there he vanished within the fierce image of a fire consuming a small house. Uriel spoke again, saying: “The thralls of Azul ascribe the cause of tragedy unto some moral defect within those who suffer. Yet she who embraceth Ayat is too occupied with the immediate needs of the afflicted to sit in judgment over the supposed mischief of men.” The first image of the bison had now dwindled to a mere trembling shimmer of dying light.
• 1O: Ser Uriel walked among the growing multitude of silent visions within the throne room, and soon caused yet another image to appear. Behold, orphaned children appeared, gleaning desperately among the remnants of a field already stripped bare by harvest. And Uriel said: “The thralls of Azul may choose what deeds they shall perform, yet they do not choose the desires that govern them. But she who embraceth Ayat maketh her own awareness of injustice the guide of her actions. She lesseneth the abundance of the corrupt, that the needs of the impoverished might be fulfilled.” The next image Uriel caused to stand forth was a small mountain of gold, bright and gleaming in the dimness of the hall. And Uriel said: “The thralls of Azul delight to display their riches openly before the eyes of men. Yet she who embraceth Ayat proclaimeth not all that she possesseth, neither boasteth of all that she hath power to accomplish.”
• 1P: After this, Ser Uriel summoned the likeness of a priest with a heart of flint, pointing an accusing finger toward a wan who stood bowed before him. Uriel spoke again: “The thralls of Azul confess no error, not even unto themselves, and make justification for their every deed, yet the spirit within them remaineth as pitiless as bronze. She who embraceth Ayat regardeth those who reveal her faults as benefactors and teachers acting for her greater good.” As this image also began to fade, another vision appeared: the blood of a slain beast cast upon the base of a sacred pillar in ritual sacrifice. And Uriel said, “The thralls of Azul exalt the dead traditions of their fathers, and by compulsion labor to preserve them among the people. Yet she who embraceth Ayat cultivateth the new, and counteth change itself as treasure whereby a better way may be purchased.” And afterward there appeared the likeness of a corpulent priest seated before a table laden with more food than any living creature might consume.
• 1Q: And Uriel said unto the assembly, “The thralls of Azul live only to quiet for a short season the endless hunger of their own appetites. But she who embraceth Ayat ordereth her desires rightly, and thereby becometh joyful in spirit.” And the next vision which Uriel brought forth was fashioned with Lailah and Bodea and the other Fallen Angels in mind. For in the midst of the great circle of fading images there appeared a hill, and upon the summit thereof stood the newly-reformed Fallen Angels with swords drawn in their hands, steadfast and unafraid. Their countenances were resolute, neither turning aside from danger nor seeking shelter from it. And Uriel said unto the people, “The thralls of Azul judge the worth of a wan according unto the things she possesseth, even goods which diminish when they are shared. Yet she who embraceth Ayat looketh rather unto what that wan doeth for others, and whom she defendeth from harm. For therein lieth her true worth.”
• 1R: Then Ser Uriel moved into the center of the fading circle of images he had created. He caused a final vision to appear within the darkened hall of the king unlike anything that had ever before been seen in all Kemen. And behold, there appeared the stars of the night sky as they are seen upon the Earth, the other world, innumerable and glorious, shining in terrible beauty across an endless darkness untouched by city lights or the fires of men. And when the people beheld this wonder, wherein the entire region of the sky was adorned with lights beyond counting, they gasped aloud in awe, for never before had any among the world-dwellers conceived that such a host of light existed beyond the vault of their world. Many stood speechless, and some imagined that they looked upon the very courts of heaven. For in Kemen the land in one place was the sky for another place.
• 1S: Kemen itself lay not in the heavens wherein Earth was set, but in a hidden corner of the Pleroma, within a mere bubble held in uncertain existence by Avyah and Imran. And Ser Uriel spake once more, saying: “‘When a thrall of Azul suffereth indignity, he seeketh revenge by committing yet another indignity in return. Yet she who embraceth Ayat understandeth that the greatest vengeance is this: that she herself should refuse to become like unto the one who first wrought the injury. For the greatest conqueror is she who hath conquered herself.’” And when he had spoken these words, many among the people stood in thoughtful silence. And Uriel fell silent, for his teaching was complete, and the people marveled at what they had witnessed. And afterward, at the bidding of Lailah, Uriel drew near unto Kar Melchizedek where the king sat listening among the people. And Lailah said, “My father and liege-lord, this man is called Uriel, son of Terah. The view from #Washington Pass Observation Site on the legendary Highway 20
• 1T: “Concerning him I spake unto thee in the year before last, as my lord well remembereth, when he was yet known as Avram. For among all mortals in Kemen there is none like unto him. Uriel alone beareth all the signs which Holy Ayat commanded our house to seek diligently.” And the king answered and said, “Daughter, I remember also that thou didst say this very man refused the special charge appointed unto him by Ayat, and that thou returnedst unto me in final disappointment, and I lifted from thee the heavy yoke of the quest. Yet upon me and my house the charge remained, and I could not so easily lay it aside. What sayest thou concerning these matters, Uriel son of Terah?” And many among the people inclined their ears to hear his answer, for the matter had long remained hidden from them. And Uriel replied, saying, “His Majesty the king hath judged rightly, for Ayat in due season did indeed set me apart to accomplish the purpose which she had declared.
• 1U: “And Ayat herself approved the delay thereof, and said unto me there would be no punishment for one who judged rightly. For the delay concerned no less than the well-being of my father Terah; and had Ayat at that time required otherwise, then all that I have spoken this evening touching those who cleave unto Ayat would be no more than the smoke of hypocrisy.” And Kar Melchizedek spake, saying, “When thou gavest thy sermon unto the people, thou didst speak of the followers of Ayat as wen, saying, ‘She who embraceth Ayat,’ and likewise. Doth Ayat then seek only wen as followers?” And many among the people listened closely, for this question had arisen also within their own hearts. And Ser Uriel answered and said: “O Majesty, among the Holy Ones, male and female resembleth but little the temperaments of mortal flesh in Kemen. For behold, Azul and Imran do fashion themselves as warrior-kings, and they call unto those who delight in the wielding of power.

power.

• 1V: “And in the Litany of Creation is Ayat portrayed as of masculine aspect after the manner of world-dwellers. Nevertheless, how far removed from truth is this saying! For if thou art willing to receive it, Ayat is female among her own kind, notwithstanding that which the Litany of Creation declareth. And the man who embraceth Ayat possesseth a gentle heart within him. For when he beholdeth a wan, he seeth another precious life, and not a vessel appointed for dominion. And yet doth he retain the strength which is proper unto a man; yea, and rightly so.” And Kar Melchizedek said, “My daughter likewise possesseth a fierce spirit; nevertheless, in these latter days hath she greatly admired thy teachings. And thou hast given unto her a mind more steady and more balanced, which thing not I alone have perceived.” And it came to pass, while the king yet spake, that Ser Uriel looked upon Lailah, and beheld the rich blue garment wherewith she had arrayed herself upon that evening. Cue sad trombone #MAGA
• 1W: And for a moment he remembered the first occasion upon which he had beheld her, and how greatly she had changed in the years between. And suddenly he realized that never before had he seen her clothed in a gown. And as he looked more intently upon her, he perceived also that she seemed as one lost within her own gaze. And Kar Melchizedek likewise discerned the change which had come over his daughter, and knew with a surety that in some manner she had newly become drawn toward Uriel. And the king said unto him, “Who art thou truly, Uriel? And what manner of being art thou?” But when Uriel delayed to answer him, Lailah spake softly unto her father, saying, “Thou hast already beheld the things which Ser Uriel is able to accomplish. Moreover, he hath spoken words which no mortal man could know, save he were in some manner joined unto Ayat herself.” And the king and Uriel looked one upon another for a long season in silence.
• 1X: Neither seemed eager to break the stillness, for each perceived in the other depths not easily measured. But at length Kar Melchizedek said, “Lailah hath made known unto me her desire to become thy foremost student, if thou art willing to receive her.” And Uriel answered and said, “Sire, when I speak concerning Students, I speak of all world-dwellers alike, both in Kemen and upon the Earth beyond. Never did I purpose in mine heart to gather disciples unto myself, neither to establish a formal school among the children of men.” But the king replied, saying, “And yet, Ser Uriel, if thou shouldest instruct Lailah according unto the desire of her heart, I deem thou wouldest return unto me a daughter whom none could deny to be a worthy princess of this city.” Then Uriel turned unto Lailah and said unto her, “Wouldst thou consent, Princess Lailah, to depart far from thy father for many years? For it may come to pass that thou shalt never again behold him among the living.”
• 1Y And Lailah answered without hesitation, saying, “This thing am I willing to do, Lord Uriel, and even more also. Yea, I would place the Fallen Angels themselves at thy command.” But Uriel said unto her, “Your Highness, do not many among the people esteem the Fallen Angels as little better than thieves?” And Lailah bowed her head somewhat, acknowledging the truth of his words, and answered, “Ser Uriel, such a judgment is not altogether without fairness. My fellowship with them began in my younger days from a foolish desire to provoke my father unto displeasure. Nevertheless, in these latter times have I labored to amend this matter. And thou wouldest be greatly surprised if thou knewest how they have changed, and what deeds they are truly capable of accomplishing.” And while she yet spake, Ser Uriel perceived that Lailah might become a willing ally in the ancient contention against Azul and Imran.
• 1Z: And it seemed unto him that there could be great usefulness in Students who might themselves render a measure of service to Ayat. Nevertheless, never should such become thralls. And Uriel said unto Lailah, “Your Highness, the time may come when I shall lead thee altogether forth from Kemen. And whosoever hath been born beneath the vault thereof would find the Earth exceedingly strange, beyond all expectation. Tell me therefore plainly, doth this prospect cause thy zeal to diminish?” But Lailah answered him quickly, saying, “Nay, my willingness is now greater than before.” And Uriel turned unto her father and said, “So shall it be. Your Majesty, I receive Sar Lailah as the first among my Students.” Then Uriel bowed himself deeply before Kar Melchizedek, insomuch that a god-man rendered true honor unto a mortal king. And after these things, the audience was concluded.