Dawn of the Unconquered Sun (Part 8 of the Ignaius-Saga)

Evaluation

As soon as they were on their way back and alone, Tanier asked Variel: "You are aware that you gave them a lot of room to use Ignaius however they see best? I know you have a problem with giving up your pronounced skepticism, but we have to make sure that they are not wresting the control over who Ignaius is from our hands."

Slowly, Variel was coming down and returning to his normal self. He was remembering his exhaustion and feeling the soreness left from the previous night. However, he managed a reply, trying to hold onto the reasoning of what seemed another person. "I... only gave them the leeway to choose whether they will tell people that I am divine, or simply mortal with the power of Ignaius. If they take other liberties that stray too far, we can confront them. We should urge them to decide and tell us their decision before this meeting."

"Then, if they lie - " Vis chimed in. " - you can give the rest of the priesthood a demonstration! Of course, it may not win their favor, but it won't leave any doubt in anyone's mind." His tone indicated a sort of 'devil-may-care' attitude, though he clearly knew the risks.

Tanier, by contrast, was thoughtful. "I wonder, if you would be able to tell, if someone lies to you or deceives you. At least at this point I doubt it. You seem to react to becoming aware of a deception, but that isn't the same as being able to detect it. I am also now wondering, what happened when you lit the candles or produced the flame on your palm. It seems you are getting more control over your power, but I am also wondering, if it is not an example where revealing the truth is not the same as becoming aware of a deception, for you revealed the truth, but I can't see how it was connected to a lie or deception. Or am I missing anything?"

He looked at Variel. He was hoping that maybe they were making important progress here, but he needed to hear the inside view of Variel.

"My power seems to manifest in either case," Variel replied, not really having to think about it. "In both instances, the truth is hidden or unknown, so my goal is to uncover it. The day we spoke with Councilman and I realized what brought about the change, it was because you mentioned that the Disciples believe in falsehoods. They themselves are not lying, but they do not know the truth."

Variel looked over at the king after he finished speaking and added, "There might still be some details I don't understand, but that's the basics of what I've figured out, and it's worked so far. Once... 'Ignaius' is brought out, I find that my power can be used freely until the situation is resolved or I'm removed from it. Then, it starts to fade and... I feel more like myself."

Vis was watching Variel with keen interest, taking in every word. He looked thoughtful, maybe even a little worried, but it was difficult to tell.

"How much control do you have over switching over to Ignaius?", Tanier asked.

He didn't necessarily think that Variel and Ignaius were truly two different persons, at least not to the same degree as Variel, but he could see how this made it easier to contemplate and discuss the whole mater.

Variel lowered his head to gaze at his hands, which were folded in his lap. "It's... hard to say. I think it's mostly controlled by my own thoughts and perceptions. If I think something is important enough that it needs to be revealed, or if I realize someone is lying or hiding something important from me, then is just... happens. I don't really call it forth, but I think... I think I can probably manipulate it by convincing myself of things..." He bit his lip and combed some of his hair back, trying to figure out how to put it into words. "I mean, like... if there was a time when I really needed to use my power, and if I could think up a way where truth is being hidden or needs to be revealed, even if it's not obvious, I think it would work. As for not calling it when those thoughts cross my mind... I... don't know if I could stop it. Thoughts come much quicker than conscious decisions."

Tanier tried to tell himself that Variel had very little control over any of this. Neither could he switch between his Variel and his Ignaius persona at will, nor could he use his abilities in any way or form that was reasonably reliable. He knew he should keep this in mind. He knew it was madness to build a plan on something not only he himself, but not even Variel could properly control. But despite his best attempts to keep this in mind, he was unable to harbour any doubts that they would succeed, no matter how hard he tried. Actually he was overall happy with the meeting, despite the reservations he had voiced. And the one thing he was exceptionally happy about was Variel's performance.

"It seems easier for you to call it, and this is a big step forward," he said, as he wanted to stress something positive after his more critical remark. Then he turned to Vis: "What else do we have on the menu for today?"

Vis tapped his chin with a finger while the other hand was absently rubbing Variel's thigh. "Let us see... Two more of the councilmen have agreed to meet with you. Anan-Athas is a bit worse for wear after last night and will need a day to recover, so that will have to wait for tomorrow. Your scholars should also have something for you by now, and i'm sure you'll want a chance to look over it."