Mars the Divine (Empire of Time Series) by John Argo

Page 26.

"But why are they relenting now?" I asked, thinking the worst of King Lee.

"They have their reasons," he said. "First of all, they want you close by so they can better handle you. If you were to challenge Lee in the next election, they'd figure out a way for you to have a tragic accident or something. They aren't going to let go, my boy, I hope you understand that. But there is another reason. They are worried about Balesso and his faction. The Free Domers don't particularly like the Royals. They resent the concentration of power and population. As long as the Free Domers maintain their absurd individualism, they can easily be divided and conquered. The monarchy has been playing that game for centuries, even using the church."

"How?"

"The reality of power is one thing, and religious values are another. The church, the Temple, is about power on the one hand, and religious control on the other. Sometimes they have to preach one thing and do another as when factions murder each other's Popesses."

"I had a feeling something like that was happening," I said. "So the new Popess is in Balesso's pocket, meaning he has the Temple under control, and now he is free to work on the Palace side."

"And how is he going to do that?" I asked.

"I would presume by all means necessary, including uniting the Free Domers into a powerful faction."

"It's already happening," I said. "The Confederation."

"Yes. And I don't think it can be stopped."

We fell silent a while, thinking our thoughts. I thought of how I had until today been a wandering Triber, a fake monk living from moment to moment, and now I was about to become one of the great Lords of Royal Mars. That seemed fine, but I thought with infinite sadness of the fate of Sudie and Timony, and the human ugliness that cheapened things all around.

"I believe the church has made you a higher man," my grandfather said quietly. "By your distress, I am pleased to see that you attach more importance to clean living than high office."

I nodded. "I can understand why you would withdraw from such a world."

"It's not about withdrawing," he said, pouring us each a cup of steaming coffee. "It was, for some years, but now I have a better perspective. It's about being above it all and trying to help people...the common man, who looks to us with faith and hope. I cannot ride it out with my books in the library, hoping it will go away. I owe something to Timony and Sudie, for one thing."

"You did a lot for me, more than I appreciated. Thank you," I said sincerely. If he weren't such a cold, distant humbug, I would have hugged him.

He appeared to know that and seemed relieve I didn't. We remained silent for a few minutes, sipping our coffees and nibbling cookies.

"There is a lot yet that doesn't make sense," I said.

"I should say so," he said. "I can help you take the next step, if you are ready."

I shrugged. "What could that be?"

"I can tell you what it can't be. You will never rise beyond Lord Eastgarden. You will never be king. Make up your mind now and free yourself of any such aspirations. The Upholders have mechanisms in place to kill you and remove you from this title and all its possessions. You have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Think of it this way. Even if by some miracle you could defeat all those other contenders and pretenders, what joy would there be, always looking over your shoulder to see who is about to stick a knife in your back, as has been the fate of tyrants since the beginning of time. Far better you quietly support the system, do what good you can, support the church and its good works, and enjoy life to the fullest."

I could see the reason in that. "I can't bring Timony back," I said, "but something should be done for Sudie."

He shrugged lightly. "What do you request?"

"If nothing else, surgery to install a new tongue, maybe some teeth."

He shrugged again. "I can petition the Royal Hospital here in King City, or the Queen's Hospital in Buenos Ares. They can grow organics in test tubes, tongues, penises, whatever a person has missing."

"Why wasn't this done already?" I asked sharply.

"Because the world isn't perfect. Because we didn't know. Because you weren't in charge yet. A lot of reasons."

"I'd like it done as soon as possible without upsetting either Sam or Sudie. She is half out of her mind and requires delicate handling. Sam is strong and must be enlisted first to make him understand. If he wants, we can move them to a more secure location with a perimeter, so they don't lose their freedom but gain the security they need."

My grandfather said quietly: "Technically she is a Lady and as such can keep a staff. We could work it that way, using Palace budget. Let's work that out. I have something else to discuss with you."

"Very well. What is it?"

He poured himself another cup of coffee and looked as though he needed it.

"Farr, there are things much more important than who rules in King City or in the Holy City. Do you love the Gods?"

I snorted. "Sure."

"Do you believe in them?"

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