Chapter 7 Chapter Six

Saryon and I just recently watched Gounod's Faust on the BBC.So while I was waiting to meet the head of the Technologists, Mephisto immediately popped into my head.Smither didn't look much like Mephisto on TV, he was of medium build, with fiery red hair and a little freckle on his nose.But his bright blue eyes, shimmering, unpredictable, and as cold as diamonds, do have the charm of demons.It is with this kind of eyes that the devil lures mankind to fall. The dashing, radiant Smither seemed to bring sunshine and air into our dark, dreary little room.He must have known that Prince Garrod and General Polis had been saying bad things about him, but he didn't care.Smither made no excuses for himself, nor did he say anything detrimental to Prince Garrod and General Polis.In fact, he greeted the two men with respect and pleasure.However, the two men responded coldly and reluctantly, fully revealing their resentment, pain and inner torment.

"Father Saryon," said Coffin Smither, taking my master's hand, and the light emanating from him completely overwhelmed Saryon, causing Saryon to blink, as if looking at a glowing light bulb. "It's a great honor to meet you at last. I've heard so much about you, and about Joram, it's all fascinating. I'm really fascinated by you. Please tell me, Father," he said, Sit down in an assigned chair—a high-backed hard chair, not the ottoman where the other two sat. "Tell me the story of Joram and the Darksword. I know something of it, but I would rather you tell me it yourself.

"I'm sorry, Reuven," he said, looking at me again, "I haven't read your book. I've been told by many people that your story is very well written. I've always cared about it, but I always It’s because I can’t take the time to read it. Your books are placed in the most prominent place in my library, and I will definitely read them carefully when I am relieved of the leadership work that weighs on my shoulders.” Oddly enough, I actually felt a surge of joy in my heart, as if he had done the best compliment to my book.But I also understand the dry fact that he must have gotten a summary of my book from his subordinates.But maybe he does have my book, maybe he really wants to see it.

What's even stranger is that he knows that in order to create a very different feeling in others, he does it on purpose.I am fascinated by him, but have a deep sense of repulsion towards him.In front of him, everyone, including Prince Garrod and General Polis, looked ordinary.While I like and trust them, dislike and trust him.I have an uneasy feeling that if he raises his arms, I will follow him. I know Saryon feels the same way because he actually started talking about Joram.He didn't like talking about these things with strangers before. "... Simharon was founded by Merlin, and Merlin built that world so that those blessed by magic could live in peace and use their arts to create beauty. There are nine branches of life. Everyone will be born from birth. Acquire the talents of a tribe."

Coffin Smither opened his mouth and whispered "Thirteen."A chill rushed through my body immediately.Four dark sects, they were left behind, so there were thirteen in total. Saryon didn't notice the word, he just went on. "Nine tribes, eight of which create all kinds of life or magic. In Simharon, life is magic. Everything is born or by Emin's will - before our ancestors got there, he made Simhar or born by 'shaping, constructing, summoning, deriving', these are the four principles of natural creation. Each tribe is associated with a factor controlling the four principles: time, soul, air, fire, earth, water , Shadow, and Life. Of these clans, only the first five survived the creation of the Dark Sword. The clans of Time and Soul were lost in the Iron Wars. They destroyed the knowledge of their ancestors—the skills to see the future and The ability to talk to the dead.

"As for the last tribe, they are succeeded by those who walk in darkness. Their name is Death, and their other name is Technology." "Interesting," said Coffin Smither with a pleasant laugh. "I've been told about these beliefs of yours. Those two... um... tribes you speak of, time and... what... souls? Are they gone? Maybe that's all right. Like Macbeth said In that way, peeking into the future is dangerous. Are we really destined to do what we do? Or is it a path that we need to work on ourselves? Of course, I think that taking guidance from people who can see the future, life The way should be safer and more honest. What do you think, Father Saryon?"

My master is meditating, reflecting. "I don't know," he said at last. "The tragedy that befell Joram and all Simharun was, in a way, brought about by a vision of the future. A dire foreshadowing." Shall we cause our own destruction if we never knew the prophecy about the living dead?" "We will. I believe so," said Prince Jarod. "Our corruption began long before Joram was born, as early as the Iron Wars. With or without Joram and the Dark Sword, intolerance , discrimination, fear, obedience, greed, ambition—these will eventually destroy us.” Prince Jarod had been looking at Coffin Smither as he spoke.But if His Majesty tried to teach Smither with these words, he must be wasting his efforts.Smither's attention (and perhaps his magic, if his charm was made of magic) had been so focused on Saryon that he had neglected everything else.

"To me, Simharon is Joram's mother, our queen," Saryon whispered mournfully. "Her husband refuses to admit that she is dead, but all at court know it. He Using magic to make his wife's body still alive. The courtiers bowed to her, saluted, talked to her... Carnival with a lifeless, decaying body. Still regarded her as the energetic and beautiful woman. This terrible drama cannot go on forever. "Joran's story is actually very simple. A prophecy came out after the Iron War, and it read: 'The king will give birth to a man who is dead but will live. He will die again and rise again. When he When he comes back, he will hold the destruction of the world in his hands.' Joram was the son of the Emperor and Empress Merilon, and he was born dead—he possesses no magic. I know," sighed Saryon, "I was there when they tested him.

"Bishop Fanya knew and feared that prophecy. He ordered the baby to be cut off from life. Fanya took the child away to make him lose his life. But Emin is not so easily denied. A woman named Anya The crazy woman found the baby, stole him, took him to a farm near the wilderness, and raised him as her own son. "Joram was raised as a serf mage by a farmer. It was there that he met Mosiah. The latter became Joram's true friend. It was also there that when Joram was a boy he killed A person died, a strict supervisor. He discovered Joram's secret. In order to protect her child, Anya attacked the supervisor, but was killed by the supervisor instead. Qiaoran was furious killed him.

"Joram fled to the wild lands. The order of the Ninth Tribe found him there. The Techno-Abe lived there too. They violated the laws of Simharon and supported their magic with technology. Among them, Joram Lang learned the art of smelting metal. There he discovered the Dark Stone and the properties of the Dark Stone to dispel magic. Joram thought of using the Dark Stone to forge a weapon, a weapon that could make up for his lack of magic. He could Gain the power he craves from this weapon. "Because of my own reasons, I helped him forge the Dark Sword." In order to let Smither understand, Saryon explained in particular: "The Dark Stone must obtain magical life through a catalyst saint, otherwise , it is no different from ordinary metals."

Smither said eagerly, "That's interesting! Please go on, Father." Saryon shrugged. "There is nothing more to say. But the story is long indeed. It may be said that through a series of encounters, Joram came to understand who he was, and to know the prophecy. He was condemned to death. He could have destroyed his assailants, But he chose to leave that world. He crossed the frontier and entered what we consider to be the realm of death. But he actually just reached another part of the planet we call Simharon. There, he and the A woman who loved him was found by Earth's Border Patrol. He was taken to Earth, where he lived for ten years with his wife, Gwendelyn. "Joram discovered that someone on Earth was planning to go to Simharon and conquer it. So he returned to Simharun with the Dark Sword, and fought against those who planned to destroy our people and destroy our lives. He was Betrayed, and about to be assassinated. But fate has taken another weird turn. Realizing that the Earth Army..." Saryon glanced at General Polis.The general blushed and looked very uncomfortable. "Victorious, our people may be enslaved or slaughtered. Joram chose to end this war. He inserted the dark sword into the altar and released the magic in the holy well. The torrent of magic rushed into the universe and the war ended up. "The magic shield protecting Simharon was broken, and the terrible storm that once swept the continent returned. The people had to be relocated to safety. So they were brought here - Earth, and placed in resettlement camps. Only Two people remained: Joram and his wife, Gwendelyn. Joram is now the most hated person in the universe, and he knows that if he returns to Earth, his wife is in danger. He chooses to stay alone. In Simharon, the world he destroyed. As prophesied." Saryon's story could never have been told within half an hour of Coffin Smither's stay here, but Coffin Smither made no intention of interrupting, not even glancing at his watch. .He just sat motionless, as if absorbed in Saryon's story.As for Prince Garrod and General Polis, both are part of the story.They just kept glancing at their watches, secretly patient.But they won't leave Smither alone here.I glanced out the window, and their subordinates were calling people on their mobile phones, apparently rearranging their schedules. I was just thinking if they linger too long I'm going to have to feed and drink for them.There may not be enough cookies in the house.At this point, Saryon's story ends. "Indeed," said Coffin Smither, looking moved by the story. "The Dark Sword is really fascinating. It should be analyzed, and discoveries will surely be made that will benefit all mankind. I know that some theories have been proposed about it, and research has been done. I think it would be a good idea to test those theories. very important. "In one of my businesses, I have a team of scientists who are the best in their field. And now they're ready to work on that weapon. They understand..." Smither smiled Then he glanced at the furious Prince Jarod who had stood up, "That tool is of great value. Those scientists will treat it with the greatest respect, and only take as small a part of it as possible for research. Once the testing is complete, the weapon will be solemnly returned to the Simharun—" "You devil!" General Polis also stood up. Prince Jarod's face had turned livid. "Of course, we all know that this kind of testing will never end. Will it, Smither? There will always be new tests to be performed, new theories to be confirmed. And in the meantime, you can use the dark The power of the sword—" "To do good," said Coffin Smither quietly. "And if it falls into the hands of others, like your black-robed lawmen, they will use it for evil." The muscles in Prince Jarod's face kink.He wanted to speak, but couldn't make any sound because of anger.Smither went on. "Father, you should persuade Joram to realize that he has the responsibility to help all mankind through this difficult and dangerous moment. This is your responsibility to mankind. Joran used the dark sword to destroy, and now let him do it." Time to make amends. He will use the Dark Sword to create a better life for all of us." Prince Jarod resisted the urge to speak, he was watching Saryon closely.Prince Jarod and I both knew that Smither had made a mistake, that he was too vain about his charm, whether it was his magic or his gift.But his charm is not enough to hide his mistakes.He would have done a lot better if he had actually read my book instead of just having someone give him a summary, so he would know what kind of man he was dealing with. Saryon's face darkened. But if Prince Jarod thought his enemies' mistakes had won him the victory, he was wrong too.I know the master's decision, even if he hasn't said it yet.So I'm not as surprised as they are. Saryon stood up and looked at the three men.His voice was full of condemnation. "Joran and his wife and daughter are living alone in Simharon. They are under the protection of the Earth Army. No one can hunt them, disturb them, or harm them in any way. This is stipulated by the law." He Turning to Coffin Smither. "You talk about 'make amends' and stuff like that, but only Emin can say that. It will be He who will judge Joram, not you, not me, not Prince Jarod, and not any other mortal !" Saryon took a step back and looked up at them with an unwavering gaze. "I have made up my mind. I made up my mind last night. I will not go to Joram, I will never betray him, and tempt him to tell you where the Dark Sword is. He has suffered a great deal, let him Live the rest of your life in peace!" These three people are hostile to each other, but they have the same plot.They looked at each other. Coffin Smither said, "Conifer won't let Joram live in peace." "They will kill him," said General Pollis, "as thousands of our countrymen have already been killed by them. All our outposts have been evacuated and the people there returned to Earth for protection. Our fleet has suffered too much damage to defend against the enemy separately. Here, on Earth, we shall fight the invaders for the last time." Saryon watched them darkly, troubled. "I had no idea the situation had reached such an emergency." Jarod sighed. "We made a mistake in everything we did to you, Father. We first showed you our worst disputes in their worst form. Now you don't trust us, and I can't blame you for that. But there are still Few people know how hopeless our situation is. We want to keep it a secret, although we don't know how long it will be before people know." "There will be chaos, and then there will be untold losses," General Polis said. "We need to prepare our troops to fight the enemy, not let them suppress the rioters in the street." "Father, what you have heard here," said Coffin Smither, "must not be told to anyone else. There is but one exception, and that is Joram. You may tell him the truth, as long as it will make him understand our danger." situation, and then I can only hope and pray that he will voluntarily surrender the Dark Sword - to whomever it is. We are fighting for the same cause after all." He looked like a humble and self-sacrificing saint, making Prince Jarod and General Polis even more shabby than him.But his previous charm had been dispelled by Saryon, and it could not be reproduced now. Saryon sat back in his chair, sick with worry and anxiety.In defiance of proper etiquette, I ignored the three men, walked over to Saryon's chair, bent down, and asked him in sign language if he would like some tea. He smiled at me, thanked me for my kindness, and shook his head.But he still reached out and held me down, motioning for me to stay by his side.He sat down in the chair and thought for a long time, with troubled and worried looks in his eyes. Prince Jarod and General Polis also returned to their chairs.Smither never stood up.All three of them tried to look sympathetic, but their expressions were all unnatural.They all believed they had won. After a long time, Saryon raised his head. "I will go to Joram," he whispered. "I will tell him what you have told me. I will warn him that he and his family are in danger and should seek refuge on Earth. I will not say anything about the Dark Sword. If he brings the Dark Sword, you can persuade him yourself and explain your needs to him. If he does not bring the Dark Sword, you can go to Simharon to find it .” This should count as their victory—a kind of victory.They were smart enough not to continue to bully my master. "So, gentlemen," said Saryon, "you've been here too long. I don't mean to be rude to you, but I still have to make preparations for the trip—" "Everything is prepared for you, Father." General Polis said with some embarrassment: "For...uh...for you if you want to make this trip." "It's really convenient!" The corner of Saryon's mouth twitched. We are leaving tonight.One of General Polis' assistants would be with us, help us pack, drive us to the spaceship launch site, and escort us aboard. Coffin Smither bid us a cordial farewell and departed, seemingly taking the sunshine with him.General Polis hurried out of the apartment as if relieved.His entourage immediately gathered around him, waiting for his order.Only Garrod remained. Saryon and I were both at the door seeing off our guests.Prince Jarod is almost as tired and weak as my master.Only he still knows to apologize to my master. "I'm sorry to burden you with such a burden, Father. But there's nothing I can do. You've already seen the man." We know who he's talking about, without needing to name it. "I can't do anything about it," he repeated. "You can be firm in your convictions, Your Majesty," Saryon said gently. Prince Garrod smiled. He looked at Saryon, and at the door, he reached out and squeezed my master's hand. "I will, Father. I believe in you." Saryon was so surprised by Prince Jarod's answer that even I couldn't help smiling.Garrod left, and his stalwart body exuded the aura of a king.General Polis was waiting for him by the limousine.Coffin Smither's car was gone. Saryon and I hurried back to the house, barely avoiding the crowd of reporters.General Polis' aides were good at keeping the situation under control.In short, the reporter did not give us any trouble.After breaking only one glass window and trampling the flower beds, they finally left peacefully.I saw some reporters interviewing Mrs. Munford. I don't think so much time and money should be wasted celebrating an old pastor's birthday, but if those journalists knew the truth, they would definitely tear down the house. Another general's aide was on the phone in the study, confirming the ship to Simharon. Saryon paused in the corridor for a moment, his face expressionless.I touched his arm to get his attention to me. "You're doing the right thing," I gestured to him, and then told him with a little teasing, "you've got to keep your faith." I hoped to cheer him up. He smiled, but it was only a pale smile. "Yes, Reuven. I must." He sighed, bowed his head, and headed to his room to prepare for our trip.