The Gospel of Reason

The Gospel of Reason

Gregory Coffin

Copyright © 2012 by Gregory Coffin

ISBN: 978-0-9859806-1-0

Smashwords Edition

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Contents

To Venture Forth

The Directions

Arenos Walks the Earth Rocks and Mountains

Meeting the Sick

Two sides of Force

Who Shall Judge

Nature’s Forces and Shelters

Offerings and Demands

Of Cities and Men

On the Two Goods

Time to Rejoice

Separate Paths

Tolls and Gold

Accepted for the Moment

Sacrifice

The Priests in the Market

Teachings

Clarifications

What is Beyond

Madgo’s Ideal

Two Old Ones

The Big Supper

Yaltier Long Lost

Madgo on His Exit

Convicted and Tried

Chastisement

Loss of a Part; Ascension to Eternity

Mourning the Loss; Celebrating the Lost

Revelations

To Venture Forth

1 Arenos strode through the halls of his father’s castle. As he walked, he smiled at each person he saw, giving them a slight nod of his head. His amicable personality was matched in every way by the pleasantness and beauty of his features. His eyes shone brightly, revealing his perspicacious nature along with an earnest frankness and inquisitiveness in both professional and personal matters. His mouth was formed evenly and always had the presence of some form of a smile. His brow which added to the joviality of his smile, only knitted in the moments of consternation, which were brief, and then returned to his normal state.

He had no blemishes, scars or other marks, and was well-tanned as one who loves to implement what had been learned in the class out-of-doors, whether through testing the physical properties, or seeking others to ponder and discuss the metaphysical. His hair was parted, perfectly centered, with his wavy locks framing his handsome face, draping on his neck and shoulders as a cloak. His beard was well trimmed and did not hide his glowing smile. The fabric of his gold-trimmed purple robe was light and smooth and wrapped about his tall, athletic body; he was 30-years-old.

All the servants in the castle returned the same, kind smile to Arenos as he offered to them. With the position he held, he could have easily and abusively wielded power over them. Yet, they never had any fear of him. The only fear that they had in regard to him was if he was no longer their lord. Arenos was strict, fastidiously making sure things were done right, but he was never violent. With all his features: the beauty of his physicality, his face, his countenance and his amiable manner, those who remembered his mother, the elegant beauty Rhefottuegh would state they greatly saw her influence in him.

As Arenos headed through the halls, across the rooms and up the stairs to meet with his father, he wondered for what the meeting was called. Though their relationship was not an especially loving relationship, there was still respect. He and his father disagreed on many topics, especially philosophy. Those conversations were always halted by his father’s authoritarian and final statement ‘Because, I spoke it so.’ To which Arenos interpreted as meaning ‘to be continued.’ His father was not a man to make arbitrary calls, or to display special acts of affection. But, as the son of the king, he believed it was best to respond to the calls of the parent, just as the son of any other.

King Iligenor stood looking over the first tower’s balcony of his formidable Castle Illisteriam with a weary smile of contentment blended with a restlessness being placated. The crown atop his head furrowed his brow as he looked over the lands of Dellowworh. He sighed as he thought about the various methods he used for the people to better themselves through guidelines about what should be done, and what shouldn’t be done. Crossing his arms and leaning his elbows on the cold gray stone of the castle, he gazed at his old skin, dry and thinly covering the rest of his flesh which was marked with countless scars and moles.

His skin was tanned and weatherworn. His eyes were as gray as the stone, and, even though he was old, they still blazed with the severity and intensity of a predator alerted to an intruder in its den. A slight wind blew his white hair over the gold plate of his armor. It was not a full suit, just the portions that were visible while he also wore his purple tunic and cloak. His beard was white and straggly in areas, and went the length of his torso to just above his waistline.

King Iligenor straightened up. His hands were weakened from age but were still strong and he planted them on the edge. Eying the sky, he saw a coming storm; a dark cloud with intermittent flashes of lightning illuminating the darkness. The storm was off in the distance, beyond the mountains that were many days of travel away, even on the backs of beasts. The land was darkened by the clouds and as it was early morn, the sun was hidden by the veil in the sky. A cold and humid wind blew over the green plains reaching Castle Illisteriam and King Iligenor. The King paid little attention to it as his mind was focused elsewhere.

He changed his thoughts to what he had accomplished in Dellowworh – his creation of it – all of it, and it was his. Iligenor’s empire was immense as it was all. He controlled all the lands, from the regions of ice in the north, down to the vast plains and deserts, down to the wet forests to even further south to where the air began to freeze its contents again. He claimed all the territory just as he claimed the water that formed the boundary between Dellowworh and the unknown.

King Iligenor turned and leaned his back against the stone of the balcony. Folding his arms and knitting his brow, many lines creased across his forehead, both from age and the weight of his crown. He knew Arenos would be there soon.

A servant appeared on the balcony and bowed, head lowered and eyes hidden Your royal Highness, Sir. Your son, the Prince, has arrived!

King Iligenor replied with a tired and stern Show him here.

Yes, sir. Hail the great King Iligenor, the all-powerful and all-knowing!

Arenos walked in You still have them say all that? He stated it as a question not expected to be answered.

After letting Arenos pass through, and before the servant left, he addressed Iligenor again Hail the great King Iligenor, the all-powerful and all-knowing, and all-forgiving.

Arenos had a derisive smile as he watched the servant leave. Arenos then turned to Iligenor Hello, father.

King Iligenor peered at Arenos Have you been espousing your philosophy in my land again? His remark was also asked as a question not expected to be answered.

As you control all, there is no place I could go to discuss anything without it being in your territory.

I let you take up this… this schooling and education in the hopes that you would become a great man. But, instead you are more becoming my fool. And, most incorrigibly you are proselytizing your foolery.

If that is the case, then the king, and his subjects, could learn much from a fool.

Hold your tongue! I will not tolerate such insolence, especially from one who professes to be a teacher. I have allowed you your freedom. Now, with the continuation of this dangerous doctrine, I cannot tolerate it. You will stop now!

Stop for being dangerous? Now who is being foolish? I have not advocated anything of danger. I have merely spoken of metaphysics – the base for anything. I have had a couple of discourses with fellow colleagues about ethics, but nothing that was violent, or dangerous. I use words, not fists. It is the same that we have discussed before, and right when I am closing my argument, you halt the discussion. Surely, it is better for anyone to know at least the bases of knowledge.

You know nothing of how to rule, or what people need, or what needs to be in place in order to have perfect order. I have made rules of conduct for appropriate behavior in the land. I have formed them and they are good commands. The proof of this, since you speak so highly of proof, is the prosperity and happiness of my subjects. They know their place in my order, the penalties for violating my rules, and the benefits from obeying.

I know that it is better to have those who love you, do so by reason, than to have them yield through fear. My friend Norsejeff and I have discussed it, and I have recounted it to you before. You still have not let me examine all your rules to check their justness.

Iligenor scoffed in disbelief You think you know better, but you do not. Fool child. It amazes me, your brazenness. I see that, with all this foolishness you have been filling your head, you have lost touch with what is needed for proper rule – what is needed to guide a people and command them.

Depends what you mean by ‘guide’ and ‘command,’ for those are terms which I have reservations about their usage, especially the latter is cause for concern.

Enough! You will learn now as I direct. For if you are to rule, I will make sure you do it right. And, I already have your first task.

Arenos stood attentively.

King Iligenor continued You will learn by direct contact. No more of these collections of written words written by other fools.

Arenos interjected Most of what I’ve read has been from those who experienced what they wrote about. You have not stepped outside the castle walls for many years.

Iligenor continued again You will learn by what the people teach you, and your guide, who all have been raised by me. You will immediately stop teaching at the school and you will become a student again, where your prodigy will not serve you. You will remain out on this journey until I call you back, or until your guide thinks you are ready. After you have had the examples of the people, then you may read and be able to truly understand my writings.

Arenos let his growing anger subside as he thought about, and balanced not being able to teach his pupils or engage in debates with his friends, to leaving the castle for such a quest. He thought about the opportunity to explore the vastness of Dellowworh: the great fields of grass, the forests of conifers to the north and deciduous trees in the midlands and the south, the expansive beaches lining the coasts, and all the different cultures to be experienced firsthand.

He thought about the new individuals to meet, and these thoughts filled him with such a joy, that his face beamed with delight. Thinking of the new opportunities, and of returning to recount the adventures with compatriots, these thoughts weighed more on the scale; Arenos then viewed the quest in a most positive light. With his voice mimicking his face’s expression of happiness, he looked at his father with a tenderness long since bestowed upon the old man Father, this will be a great venture, a most magnificent quest. I shall learn all that I can, and offer counsel, when I can.

Standing impassively, King Iligenor was not moved by the expression of his son You will not go alone. Like I said, you will go with a guide. You will go with Madgo; just the two of you. You will leave early tomorrow morn, and you will carry nothing. You shall live as the people do. You will not even wear the garments of the castle. It will be a full immersion, and you will feel as the people feel.

Ahh, the eagle flapping its wings, escaping the nest for the first time cares not for the small twig and vine attached to its talons. They tag along for they have no choice and do not alter the course. I shall take this and make it great.

The men parted. The king moved slowly to the throne room and made that sure each servant he saw properly saluted him. Arenos dashed away with his face still alight the same as when he decided to accept the quest. Running, he did not stop to see if proper salutes were made. The servants who watched him pass, still gave the respect normally given to him. Although he noticed, his mind was on the one who would always be the first one to hear his great news.

2 Egisom stretched her arms out over some scrolls on her table. There were two scrolls lined up together to be read as they had similar themes. One scroll was Arenos’ work on metaphysics; the other was by Kocle and it was on the primary and secondary qualities of bodies. She then stood up from the table where she had been reading and stretched out, reaching as far as her arms could while arcing her back, giving her form the hue of a single red beam of a rainbow. Her white skin looked as smooth and delicate as her frame. She was of average height for a woman of Dellowworh, but the curves gracing her body, the fluidity of her movements, the delicacy with which she performed any task gave her the appearance of an exquisite frailty.

She was, however, an illusion of frailty, for, although she had the grace and dainty mannerisms that resembled a gloriosa lily waving in a breeze. She was also capable of tightly holding onto whatever she attached herself. Her hair was long, forming blazing red spirals of tight curls down to mid-back. Her gown was various shades of a brilliant red and it, held her form perfectly, showing enough of her curves to reveal nature’s graces but not too much as not to leave one’s imagination not flaming for speculations of details.

Everything about her reminded everyone of heat. Even her actions, although soft, were like the flicker of a candle; they were not erratic and bouncing uncontrollably, but gently moving one way or another, while always having the potential to burn what comes near.

There was one exception to her look of heat, and that was her blue eyes. The deep sapphires were hard but welcoming, as her look was friendly, yet distant, inviting one to converse, but to not get too close, except to those she loved.

After her stretch, she looked back down at the scrolls she was studying. She then looked at the next scrolls Arenos had set for her after the two she was currently reading. Of the two future readings, she first looked at the manuscript that had been penned by Arenos. It was a continuation of his treatise on metaphysics. The other manuscript, written also by Kocle was about the state of nature and government. Arenos, again wanted her to find a link. As she returned to read the first pair, she heard footsteps coming up the hall. After the steps stopped outside her door, it opened, and Arenos entered My dear, I have great news. He then sat beside her and kissed her hands.

Egisom squeezed his hands in return. Seeing his excitement, she replied I can see it must be most incredible news, for I have not seen you this excited in some time. Tell me, my love, what news do you have?

A great quest. Father has decided I shall ‘learn’ from the people. Arenos had a bit of derision with that statement, and he continued … I know there are things to learn from them. In the manner I think he expects, that ignorance and blind obedience are good and may lead to bliss, there is not.

But what of your classes? – who will teach them?

That, my dear… Arenos slid his fingers over Egisom’s hands as if removing a delicate glove I am not certain. I was, in part, quite annoyed with this sudden change in my plan. At the same time, I thought of the great opportunity this is. I will go out and learn much, and I will return to my loved ones to recount my travels. I, and the school, shall do as the king commands, as he has the authority over everything, including anything political and economic. We do, after all, have freedom to choose. They will find a substitute who will suffice; I will help them in their search. They can use what I have written.

I am happy for you, and wish you great enjoyment on your travels. I will stay here as I have work to attend. I am in the middle of my studies, of which you helped compile, and I will not let myself be distracted until I am finished. But, maybe, I will see you later in your travels.

Don’t worry Arenos took Egisom’s hand and pressed it to his breast I will remember the best spots, the most beautiful vistas, the most interesting cultures, and the most striking individuals I meet. Someday when we are both ready, we will go out and traverse the world and I will show you all these splendors.

Egisom leaned forward, and with her hands cupped as if to draw water, drew Arenos near with his jaw in her palms My dear Arenos, how I will miss you. There is always a swelling in my chest when I see you as my heart, like a sponge, takes in the moisture that is your charm, grace, beauty and mind. I will not let it dry, but I also ask, do not be gone for too long.

Arenos held her close. The solidity of his frame and his breast could be felt by Egisom on her breast, even through the layers of clothing dividing their skins. He knew there was much to prepare for before the journey.

There were many people to be addressed, and there were many plans to be made for Arenos’ absence. However, there was one other of great import he needed to see. One who was just a degree lesser in his heart than that of Egisom: Eccines, a wise philosopher, researcher and teacher.

Eccines was a short man with a round face, which always carried the expression of someone in a hurry. As he was between places most of the time, it was the appropriate expression. His eyes were always focused on some aspect of anything as he tried to break it down to various factors and to categorize them. His eyes were beady and would occasionally stare at nothingness as he knitted his brow in deliberation, drowning out anything not relevant to his mode of thought.

His hair was brown and short with tight curls, which were constantly disturbed as he combed his fingers through it as he worked. Eccines leaned on his table that was covered with charts and graphs. Equations were scrawled about on the walls and models of astronomy and biology were placed about the room. Eccines was drawn to these things like a honey bee near numerous flowers. He visited each one, only leaving to return again. Material facts were the greatest value to him, and he indulged his mind with every one he could find, devise or utilize.

Arenos was unnoticed as he stood in the doorway. At a moment when Eccines slowed darting between areas of interest for a drink of water, Arenos said to him What is it you are researching today? Is it more on the lives of organisms? Or on the stars and the places currently beyond man’s touch?

Startled, Eccines quickly gathered his senses Hello, my friend. I am studying the nature of eclipses, and the theory of nous. It is quite interesting and deserving thorough investigation. And then I will decide if I agree or not, and if so, if it should replace another concept… with a slight chuckle …probably to be replaced itself, and again, and again… which is probably best. This work is like ascending stairs, but sometimes, too, it's like finding a pedestal with new, separate steps that were next to the stairs once walked. Eccines motioned Arenos near the table, then said in his amicable manner How are you? Out philosophizing? And, if so, annoying your father?

He wants me to go out into the world and learn. I leave tomorrow morn.

Eccines stopped, and his brow knitted in consternation Send you out? Where? To learn what?

He wants me to learn from the people. I do not know what exactly, but I have a general idea what it is he expects me to learn ‘from the people.’ That is what he said.

But what of your classes, lectures and studies?

He is the king, and, as so, he can direct as he chooses. Even though a prince, I am still under his authority.

He never placed much interest in your learning before.

That is true, and I will not vex him on this. I do not wish for him to halt our school, and I think this is a great opportunity to see all there is in Dellowworh. Getting some first-hand experience would be a good thing, as I am far from planning on letting this occasion go without reflection on each event and encounter. I can also bring back some new specimens for your study. I will tell you, just as I will tell Egisom, all the greatest places to visit so we can return again.

Eccines let some of his severity leave, and coyly looked at Arenos I imagine you will be looking, too, for the ‘wise giant.’

Arenos approached him, grinning Yes, I shall indulge myself with that, and see what more I find, myth or man. He is probably more former rather than latter, but it will be an enjoyable search. With that, Arenos hugged his friend good-bye and went to finish preparations He needed to set up substitutes for the lectures that they could cover, reschedule the ones they could not, and do what else was needed to prepare for him to be gone for an undefined length of time. Arenos also wanted to spend the night with Egisom, for they both knew it would be some time before they would see each other again.

3 The sun shone brightly the next morning. It blazed its clear brilliance from a cloudless, blue sky across the land of Dellowworh. It was warm, and the landscape reflected all of its greens, golds and browns, seeming to make that warmth visible. Beams of sunlight gold entered through the opening in Egisom’s room, and incubated the two lovers with its warmth as they did not stir in their slumber. They still held each other in their sleep.

The room was lined with exquisite tapestries hanging from the ceiling and along the walls. The tapestries were like her wardrobe – a brilliant red that, when combined with the sunlight beaming through the window and reflecting off all the objects, gave the room a fantastic brilliance – a blazing effect of the fire of youth that the two still sleeping had for each other. That fire had not waned in any degree through their years together. The one part of the room that didn’t radiate the fiery brilliance of the rest of the room was on a table. A singular potted plant, a bay laurel was atop the table and beside it was a wreath made from its leaves.

The continued sweet repose of the two lovers was quickly and harshly interrupted by furious banging on the door. It was struck so severely that the strikes shook the thick wooden oak in its frame. Along with the racket of the struck wood, was a shrill voice was screaming Arenos! I know you are in there. Get out! You have been evil!

Startled from their sleep, the two lovers gained their senses and took in what happened, and what was happening. They looked at each other, leaned toward each other and kissed. Naked, he left the red covers, stretched and began dressing. They both enjoyed a small laugh at the screams of the small, old man outside the door.

Arenos called out Madgo, I can hear you, and I am almost ready. The beating on the door stopped, and heavy footsteps could be heard leaving. Arenos and Egisom knew Madgo was still waiting. Fully dressed, the two embraced, kissed once more, then opened the door and saw Madgo. His scowl showed him filled with vehemence. In Dellowworh and under Iligenor, all priests were men of the law though not all men of the law were priests. All priests carried with them as symbols of their status, medallions that bore the image of the king’s scepter. The medallion was worn under the fabric