Frac nearly did. It was a strange urge and Frac had to fight this inner turmoil to resist it. It was as if The World One was reading Frac's eyes, and suddenly Frac realized what Raziel was doing. For a moment fear rolled over Frac's entire body, but still didn't avert gaze and felt the only action was to look to deeper yet into The World One's eyes--focus on reading those eyes.

Those eyes opened like a book to Frac! Frac seen a glint of love being overshadowed by...arrogance...pride...deceit...lies--hate! This revelation, as it was to Frac, was like what Frac imagined being struck by lightning would be. Frac averted gaze and let go of The World One's hand as if picking up a coral snake. Those eyes narrowed to a mere slit before The World One's arms raised, and Frac was greeted as a new citizen into the society of Nuemerica. The gathering cheered. Frac looked to Pronoia who held a restrained, frightened look. Haniel had a slight grin and looked very proud.

"Now that you are embarking upon the threshold of adulthood, what path is it that you will seek in Nuemerican society, Frac?" The World One asked, routine in this ceremony.

Frac knew this question was to be asked, and suddenly realized that little thought had been prepared to answer it. Still somewhat taken aback by the eye-reading, Frac's voice was a bit wobbly. "Well-l...what I'd really like to do someday..." Some youthful voice in the gathering yelled, "Be the first child/adult to venture into the Underground Pool." A round of applause and shouts erupted through the crowd. The attendees on the Temple summit weren't amused.

"...is to be an artist. To paint the stories of our culture and our society, not just on The Temple Of Truth, but throughout all Nuemerica, for all to see. To relate the history and adventures of Nuemerican citizens for all to read and learn." The gathering murmured. Artists were always picked by The Keepers Of The Truth to adorn only the Temple or other dwellings of The Keepers Of The Truth. This was always done in such a way that only The Keepers Of The Truth could translate these works. What Frac proposed was never heard of before, no less proposed. The World One was flushed, but quickly regained composure.

"Thank you Frac. That is something we can consider in council," The World One said, cutting off Frac, "Our next new citizen..."

Frac, realizing that this cutoff was well shy of the time that Frac told Raziel, quickly glanced to where Raziel should be standing. No Raziel, just darkness.

"...Raziel, beloved child of Psisya..."

Frac had to do something, but the only thing that Frac could do was take a seat beside Haniel and Pronoia, as protocol dictated, having been dismissed by The Keeper Of The Truth. But could Frac do this, as Raziel would surely be caught not in position. The alternative would be to continue the speech of which was cutoff, regardless of those consequences--of which surely would be severe.




© 2001 John Gnotek