Tory emerged from a deep meditative state to find her being saturated with a deep love of her husband. In the afterglow of her efforts she recalled tiny fragments of the material she had laid down for the Devas, and the fond memories of Maelgwn aroused her. This made her smile, as it was a good sign for the success of her efforts.
‘Alright. You can stop with the torture now.’ Noah urged her to return his transmitter band.
‘I did good … yes?’ Tory removed the headset, and sitting upright she handed it back to its owner.
‘You excelled yourself.’ Noah smiled reassuringly, but his red swollen eyes gave away his private torment. ‘I was touched.’ He explained away his watery eyes, as he gave a sniffle. ‘I just have a bit of editing to do, as some of the material went a little beyond a G rating.’
‘Like the scene with you and I.’
Noah was horrified. If Tory had been aware of her fantasising, why then had she waited for him to put a stop to it? ‘You were testing me?’ He appealed to her for an explanation.
‘Hell no! At least, I’d hate to think I was.’ She doubted herself for a second. ‘I don’t know where the notion came from, although the scene was practically identical to the one the Devas made visible to me this afternoon.’ Tory shrugged and shook her head apologetically. ‘It could have been a conscious slip … but my attempts to stop the scenario from unfolding proved futile. I could only conclude that I was again glimpsing myself inside my children’s Devachanic existence.’
‘Ah-huh.’ This whole episode had made Noah distinctly moody. He didn’t know what to believe anymore and he didn’t much care. ‘It might be better if you don’t wait for me to do this. I’ll drop over two copies of the orb as soon as they are ready. After that,’ Noah took a deep breath and looked away from Tory, knowing his sudden cold front would distress her, ‘I feel I should have no further contact with the Devas, as I have obviously confused them enough already.’
Although Tory agreed with his reasoning, she was paralysed by the waves of distress that besieged her being; here was her dearest friend practically accusing her of emotional blackmail. ‘You think that I am making all this up?’ Tory gasped, deeply hurt. ‘To what end?’ She stood and held out both her hands to stop him from responding. ‘Perhaps it’s best that you think the worst. I’ll send someone to fetch the orbs.’ She backed away. ‘I thank you for your time and patience in this affair.’ On the verge of bursting into tears, Tory vanished.
‘You weren’t going to do that.’ Noah cursed himself in the wake of her leaving.
Viewing Tory’s fond memories of Maelgwn had been more hurtful than he’d imagined. Now he’d vented that hurt back upon Tory and she was upset too. He didn’t really believe that she would devise such a deception, but then, his jperception was serving to keep them at odds with each other and therefore out of harm’s way for the moment.
‘You can apologise after reality has been set straight,’ he told himself and set about his edit.
It was Cleo who arrived to collect the orbs from Noah.
‘Really, I can deliver my work to Nin Tory,’ Noah insisted, still guilt-ridden by the fact that he’d hurt her so deeply. ‘I need to explain —’
‘She insisted that I take your labours to her,’ Cleo politely interrupted to advise him. ‘Nin Tory said she will be more than happy to see you … after the Devas have absorbed the information contained on those orbs that you hold.’
As it was too difficult to try and talk his way around Tory’s instruction, Noah handed the orbs over to Cleo. She graciously accepted them and moved to depart.
‘Oh, I nearly forgot.’ She turned back to the historian. ‘Nin Tory suggested that you might find it beneficial to seek out your wife and tell her of all that has occurred around the Deva babes in the past few days.’ This was Tory’s way of pleading innocent to the wilful seduction he’d accused her of earlier this day.
For Noah, the idea of seeing Rebecca at present was rather distressing, although in his heart he knew it was the only way to free himself from all his guilt.
‘Let Nin Tory know that I shall do as she suggests,’ Noah answered, finally. ‘But please tell her that I should like an audience with her, as soon as the Devas have been set straight.’
Cleo frowned, realising that something adverse was going on between the ex-Governess and the historian, but not being one to pry, she simply nodded and faded from sight to carry the orbs forth to the recipients.
Noah’s thoughts turned to his wife. The Goddess only knew where Rebecca was at present, but right now Noah didn’t care in the midst of what wild scenario he joined his wife. Tory was dead right. He needed to purge himself of the emotional burden he was carrying. Thus, envisioning his lovely lady, Noah willed himself to her side.
A couple of days later, Tory arranged to meet with Noah at Central Park, near to her home.
‘Nin.’ Noah bowed to her as she approached, whereby Tory smiled, amused.
‘I am no one of consequence any longer, En Noah, hence there is no need to revere me.’ Although under normal circumstances she would’ve hugged the historian in greeting, she refrained in this instance.
‘Sorry, Nin.’ Noah blushed. ‘First you were my boss, then my Governess … I am so used to you being in a position of authority over me that it seems strange to not revere you.’
‘Well, to me it feels like liberation.’ She took hold of his arm and they walked along in silence, taking in the lovely day.
‘So you saw Rebecca?’ Tory had noticed that the air of guilt had completely dispersed from Noah’s presence.
The scholar nodded, happy to talk about Rebecca’s feelings. ‘She wasn’t in any way worried by our misadventure. She said that she could have told me that I had an intellectual crush on you years ago.’
At this, they both had a good laugh, but Noah sobered first.
‘Nin, I feel —’
‘Don’t apologise, Noah.’ Tory cut him off, lightheartedly. ‘Anything that happened was not of your will.’
‘My reaction to circumstances was of my own choosing.’ He stopped abruptly to voice his view. ‘I hurt you and for that I am deeply sorry.’
‘And I hurt you.’ Tory was quick to respond in a jovial manner. ‘But our reactions were our saving grace, Noah. It was self-preservation and nothing more.’ As Noah smiled in agreement, Tory took hold of both his hands to make a request. ‘All I want is for us to be as we were, before our emotional debacle.’
The historian breathed a sigh of relief at her proposal. ‘That is my wish also, Nin.’
‘Look.’ Tory seemed mildly amused and perturbed at once. ‘I promise to cease addressing you as En Noah, if you would please just call me Tory. And stop revering me as some sort of guru! You are every bit as spiritually advanced as I, and in all probability more mentally advanced.’
Noah was shaking his head to disagree.
‘Yes!’ Tory yanked his arms to stress her conviction. ‘Equals or strangers, that’s the deal.’
Noah rolled his eyes as Tory persuaded him to accept her terms. ‘I’ll settle for equals then, Tory.’
‘That would be mighty fine, Noah.’ She let go of his hands to hold her arms wide. ‘Big hug.’ She invited his embrace to seal the deal and Noah obliged without reservation.
Uncle Noah! Uncle Noah!
He turned to find the two devas gliding towards him from the direction of the house.
The twins had doubled in age since last he’d seen them and were now about six years old by human standards.
The truly amazing thing was that Noah had never heard the Devas speak, let alone call him by name. Uncle Noah? He turned to Tory and cocked an eye in question.
‘I explained that, although you are not their father, they could still regard you as kindred and love you as such.’ She smiled warmly, a lump forming in her throat as she ventured to add: ‘Just as I do.’
The Devas were upon Noah before he had a chance to respond to her lovely sentiment, but he figur
ed the look on his face probably said it all.
‘So you guys are out and about?’ Noah turned his attention to the excited children as each came to settle on one of his hips, their arms embracing his neck.
Mother said that our five days’ incubation period is over, Psyche explained.
Our souls have come to fully occupy our physical forms and our primary belief system is now in place, Sacha added.
‘My, but you are verbal,’ Noah emphasised for Tory’s benefit and she nodded to agree; the devas may only have been six days old and looked six years of age, but their intellect probably surpassed even the most intellectual of the Chosen Ones.
Mother said that you might be able to better explain the effect on history of our father’s mighty achievements? Sacha directed Noah’s eyes to focus on him.
‘I can,’ he assured the youngster, at which the entity was overjoyed and began glowing brightly.
We want your view on father’s time as a Star Warrior also. Psyche turned Noah’s head so that he now looked at her.
‘Well … ah,’ Noah hesitated, as that information was classified at present. ‘Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,’ he suggested, warily. ‘We might save that discussion for further down the track.’ He looked at Tory, who seemed amused by his distress.
Sacha misunderstood their tutor’s reluctance. If we are progressing too fast for you, Uncle Noah, just say so.
‘So,’ said Noah in jest and his reaction amused them all.
‘I’m sure the children will comply with whatever you think is best.’ Tory directed her remark to the twins, knowing that they were already aware of what it was that Noah feared to reveal to them.
We’ve missed you, father, said Psyche, giving Noah a squeeze. I mean, Uncle Noah, she corrected herself, looking to her mother, who smiled in a pleased way.
‘Everything’s going to be just fine.’ Tory breathed easier, as did Noah, both glad to have their hearts back in the right place.
6
THE PANTHEON
OF TWELVE
On approach, Nibiru appeared to glow gold in colour due to the artificial force-field that the Nefilim had created to protect their home planet from freezing over. The shield’s colour was a byproduct of the super-conductive agent that powered its generator. This super-conductive material was derived from gold, which was why the Nefilim had been attracted to Gaia in the first place, for it was abundant with this precious mineral required to save Nibiru from inevitable desolation.
Anu, the central sun of the planet Nibiru’s solar system, was a red super-giant that no longer provided its distant planets with any great amount of heat or light. It had been known for some time that the great star was nearing the end of its lifespan.
So why were the Nefilim still occupying an injured planet in a dying system? Nibiru may not have been the natural beauty it once was, but it did contain some of the most splendid and opulent cities in the known universe and a larger population than any other planet in the galaxy. The head of the great Pantheon, Nergal, would not abandon such wealth and power on the off-chance that Anu might self-destruct within the next millennium.
Is it any wonder they risk all to frequent this place? Maelgwn thought as he entered the ballroom of the great Pantheon’s Senate building, which was filled to overflowing with colour, glitter and decadence.
The few Nefilim in attendance were scattered amongst the clusters of officials, viceroys and dignitaries belonging to the various human tribes. Pantheon members all differed in their choice of human subordinates: some favoured a particular breed; others had no preference and were willing to exploit them all. Very few in the Pantheon were sympathetic to the plight of the human breeds, who were naught but slave labour. In fact, those of the mortal human tribes that were in favour with one or another of the Nefilim Gods, didn’t care at all about the plight of the others of their species.
‘Holy cow!’ Rhun mumbled as he accompanied his father and the Governor into the regal reception.
‘I feel understaffed,’ commented Brian, being accompanied only by an entourage of two.
‘Kila’s reigning Governor, Brian Alexander, Vice-Governor Rhun Gwynedd, and ex-Governor, Maelgwn Gwynedd,’ announced a Delphinus official standing at the entrance doors, his eyes fixed straight ahead.
‘The Lord Dumuzi.’ The next arrival was announced, whereby Maelgwn did an about-face.
Dragon, just the man I need. Dumuzi approached Maelgwn and shook his hand, then hugged him. I cannot tell you how glad I am to see you, my friend.
Although they had endured a few adventures together and he had once saved the Nefilim Lord’s life, Maelgwn still thought Dumuzi’s affection a bit excessive. ‘Is something the matter, Lord?’ He noted that Dumuzi’s expression was rather subdued, when this Nefilim male was usually the life of the party.
I need a favour. Dumuzi’s devilish amber eyes turned to the two men in Maelgwn’s company, and he nodded at them in acknowledgement. Would you excuse us?
‘Of course.’ Brian reluctantly granted Maelgwn leave, but Brian wore a very concerned look on his face as he watched Dumuzi lead his advisor out of the room.
‘He’ll be back soon enough.’ Rhun cheerfully ribbed his uncle in an attempt to alleviate Brian’s worry.
‘I don’t know.’ Brian’s gaze did not shift from the doorway through which Maelgwn had exited. ‘I have a bad feeling about this.’
‘It’s called paranoia,’ Rhun advised Brian, as he stood eyeing off all the interesting looking officials and guests in the ballroom, dying to get in amongst all the conversations taking place. ‘Come and introduce me to some of the Pantheon … starting with that lovely looking creature over there.’
Brian diverted his attention from the doors to see who had struck the interest of his Vice-Governor.
She was one of the Pantheon, notorious as a seductress, and currently unattached. Her long, dark hair fell in ringlets about her tall and slender person, which was clothed in ornate but modest attire. Her large almond-shaped eyes were a pale shade of violet-pink and their unusual colour made them all the more hypnotic and alluring.
‘You don’t want to go there,’ Brian warned. ‘That is Shamash’s ex-wife, Aya.’
Shamash was Inanna’s brother. He had been banished to the otherworldly realm of Gaia’s moon for the attempted murder of his brother-in-law, Dumuzi, and for then framing Marduk for his crime.
‘I didn’t realise Shamash was ever married,’ Rhun commented, his eyes still fixed on Aya.
‘Oh yes, he has two daughters in the Senate.’ Brian searched the crowd and pointed out two more Nefilim females. ‘The brunette is Shala, his firstborn, and the warlike looking blonde is Tashmet.’
‘Two more females to avoid then?’ Rhun queried.
Brian shrugged. ‘Shala, as wife of Micah, is very well disposed towards humans of every breed. But Tashmet, Nabu’s wife, holds us all in contempt and will openly say so — her husband finds it more diplomatic to refrain.’
‘Is that Nabu next to her?’ Rhun looked at the couple, who appeared very absorbed with themselves.
‘It is,’ Brian said, warily. ‘He is the adopted son of Nergal and next in line to rule the Pantheon after him. He was better known on Gaia as Horus.’
‘But I was led to believe that Horus was well disposed towards Marduk and his Chosen?’ Rhun questioned his uncle’s implication that Nabu and his wife were two of the Pantheon exploiting the human breeds.
‘Demi-gods are one thing,’ Brian advised. ‘Mortals, who cannot match wits and psychic knowhow with the Nefilim, are considered by some to be little more than cattle.’
‘So they admire a good threat, do they?’ Rhun surmised. ‘That’s something to bear in mind.’
As Brian’s attention had strayed back to the doors through which Maelgwin had disappeared, he was not really heeding his nephew’s words, and just nodded.
Once they had reached a deserted part of the great entrance corridor, Dumuzi came to a standstill to
converse with Maelgwn.
This Nefilim Lord was short for one of his ilk and was only a little taller than Maelgwn. His fiery amber-brown hair was cut into a point down the middle of his forehead, making him appear all the more pixie-like and mischievous. As was usual for the Lord, he wore no garments above the waist; only jewellery that would enhance the appearance of his tanned muscular torso.
My good wife and I have recently known a very sad turn of events, he began. Inanna conceived a child and managed to carry it to full-term, but regrettably the child was stillborn.
Maelgwn gave a heavy sigh at the news, knowing how heartbroken Inanna would be. ‘I am deeply sorry for your loss.’ He gave his condolences, but Dumuzi only shrugged.
I feel no loss bar that of my wife, he explained, honestly.
Once known as the God of Fertility, Dumuzi was far more preoccupied with conception than birth and parenting.
Since the stillbirth, Inanna is a changed person. He leant closer to Maelgwn to whisper: Mad, I fear. She refuses to allow anyone to take the rotting corpse from her room, and it has been days since the event. She won’t eat, wash, or see anyone … she won’t even move! She just sits there staring at the dead infant, crying and mumbling to herself.
‘Is there some way that I might be of aid?’ Maelgwn was concerned. He needed Inanna coherent enough to remember what she might have done with one of her numerous prisoners’ personal effects, some seventy years ago.
I have suggested all manner of people that she could speak with to aid her in coming to terms with her grief. A pleading look came over the Lord’s face. But she refuses to speak with anyone but you.
‘Me!’ Maelgwn was shocked to his foundations. ‘Why me?’
Again Dumuzi shrugged. She mumbled something about a karmic score she needs to settle with you and she begs that you have mercy on her soul, or some such rubbish. He waved off her reasons, obviously thinking them deluded. Please, Dragon, she is mentally ill and if she believes that speaking with you will save her soul, then you are my only hope of bringing her back to sanity. Will you see her?