The Lemniscates

23. Papa John and Aechylus

- It's an impressive collection you have there.

- And who might you be?

- Aechylus, to serve you.

- A demon comes to visit me. Want to reserve your jar?

- Not really, no. Although I admit to liking this magnificent Mesopotamian urn.

- You have a good eye. You want to release him?

- Killing him would be in my more immediate plans. But enough of that. I have not come to discuss of the former prince.

- Sit down. Would you care for something...?

- Why not? Would you be kind enough to offer me an infusion?

- Tea?

- If you have.

- I'll be back.

- Do not hesitate to bring this beautiful relic in your kitchen. You know the one that sits next to the dirty pots.

- I have not had time to do the dishes, OK?

- Ho, no, it was not a reproach. I love what you've done with it.

- Well, what do you want?

- Ha thank you. I'll leave it alone to infuse. I would not insult you by asking if you are aware of our misfortunes, I know you are. I am here to explain what will happen now.

- What are you talking about?

- War, of course. I thought it was obvious.

- War? Against who? Last thing I heard you did not know who attacked you, right?

- Ha, but we still don't.

- Who do you want make war with, then?

- But you, of course.

- Who? Us? Humanity?

- That's it.

- Why?

- What ...? I ... I see. You do not know. But that changes nothing.

- What are you talking about?

- A little history will not be a luxury. Well, let's start. Mmm... Very good, tea by the way.

- Thanks.

- You know the Bible? Yeah well, you can forget it. Your relics have no power over us because of this. They have for others reasons.

- Really?

- We do not shout it from the rooftops, you know. Nevertheless, God is the Creator. He created the human species.

- I already knew that.

- No, you did not. Before that, he created two of immortal races. Powerful breeds. Too powerful. And then he created humanity. A small race in comparison but manipulated at will. The other gods who had asked God to create a race that would worship them have been satisfied and for this feat, they promised him a universe. A universe in which he would reign. But with this, God made a request ... quite strange: He wanted a universe without magic.

- Without magic?

- Yes. And thus was born your universe and your little reality.

- Let's say I believe you, I still do not understand why you want to go to war.

- It's simple. To keep this world without magic, a powerful relic was created. Some king of a key if you will. I spare you the details of the wars to take control of it. Anyway, the key was divided into three parts. One for the angels, one for demons and one for men.

- And humanity still has his, right?

- Right.