Azriel or the silence complex

Part 4 : The secret society

In that underground world, Azriel discovered a secret network of dissidents known as the Silent Hand. This group, composed of fallen nobles and exiled warriors, conspired to overthrow the king and restore justice to the kingdom. For the king, in his rule, held open contempt for dissent and opposition. Thus he had, one after another, cast more than a few nobles and warriors into prison or driven them into exile—anyone he could not control.

Learning of their plans, Azriel found himself torn between the desire to avenge himself upon his father and his wish to protect the innocent. He could not understand why his father's political life had grown so chaotic, for he himself had always been kept far from the important decisions of the realm.

Yet as he slowly gained the trust of the Silent Hand, he stumbled upon something unexpected. In an abandoned ancient library hidden within their refuge, he found secret documents. They spoke of orgies in which his mother had taken part—of debauchery and unspeakable lust. They revealed why this had so deeply wounded the king, who was mocked throughout the kingdom because of his unfaithful queen.

He also discovered that a prophecy had once been proclaimed, though its contents were not recorded. More important still, the documents revealed the queen's true beloved—his own biological father. And to his great dismay, this man was a traitor, secretly working for the king.

For Azriel, it was a strange relief mingled with profound disappointment. The contradiction of these feelings overwhelmed him, driving him beyond the bounds of his own mind. He collapsed and lost consciousness.

He found himself in a place of empty whiteness. There, he heard footsteps approaching. A man clothed in a tunic, with a long white beard and a gentle, reassuring gaze, came forward and spoke:

"I have been waiting for you, Azriel. It was time."

"Who are you?"

"It is not important who I am. But you—are you ready to be yourself?"

"But... who am I, then?"

"Come now. Do you not already know that you still have many things to accomplish?"

The curious old man looked down at what seemed to be a watch and muttered, "Confounded watch..." He was indeed examining the Watch of Truths, the one that revealed every truth at its appointed hour. He tapped it clumsily, then seemed pleased.

"Well now, that's better."

"You must return to the earth."

"But you haven't answered me!"

The place where his spirit had landed dissolved instantly, and he was hurled back toward the world.

"Stop sleeping—wake up!"

Azriel struggled to open his eyes. He was lying on the floor in the very place where he had been reading the revelations that had brought him to this state.

"What happened?" asked a guard.

"I... am not sure."