The House of Grey Prologue - The Original Modern Fantasy Thriller

The House of Grey Chapter 4 - The Original Modern Fantasy Thriller

CHAPTER FOUR

Dreams

Brian gathered up Monson’s things, and then led him down another highly ornate hallway. Covered in murals, the length of the passage displayed an assortment of Roman military ventures, some historical and others obviously fictional. The murals showed remarkable artistic skill. The soldiers and their commanders remained locked in eternal combat with hordes of barbarians and charlatans, as the fury of the Roman war machine devastated lines of blurred figures in the background. The illustrations suited this hall well. It felt like a culmination of ideas that described the school, and the attitudes of a long-forgotten people suddenly reborn in the modern. This mural was Coren and Rome personified in an epic artistic rendition.

"I have never liked these paintings," Brian said, looking at the murals with distaste.  

"Really?" asked Monson with some surprise, "Why is that?"

"Actually, to be completely honest with you, I’ve never liked the whole Roman concept," Brian replied. "Granted, it’s not like it originated with their society; there has always been such. Probably always will be. The Romans aren't anything special in that particular regard."

"I'm not quite sure I understand."

"My dear young Hero," Brian said patiently. "What—"

He paused, considering his words. "Let me answer you in the form of a question.  Were the Romans great, and, if that be the case, for what reason?" 

Monson scrutinized Brian, trying to discern his possible meaning. He knew there was a specific answer that Brian was looking for, but had no idea what it was. 

"Yes," Monson answered, acting more confident than he felt, but also thinking he had an indisputable fact that proved their greatness.

Brian's face reflected a polite interest that plainly told Monson to go on. Monson obliged, "I think you need to look at all the different things they were responsible for. I mean, if you think about it, there is hardly an area of science, philosophy or religion that the Romans didn't have at least some influence over."

"Yes, that is true," Brian said with a wry smile. "But how were they able to accomplish all of those great things?"

Monson paused for a moment, unsure of the question's meaning. Brian gave him an understanding smile, "Let me ask you this: Do you think the people the Romans conquered thought they were great?"

The answer was obvious.

"Probably not," Monson answered tentatively.

"Exactly." Brian looked amused. "Yes, we have many great things from the Romans. Their accomplishments were far-reaching, even everlasting, but their crimes were just as, if not more, far-reaching and everlasting. Always remember, winners are the ones who write the history. There are two sides to every story, but more often than not, we are only party to one side." 

"I guess I never really thought about it," Monson commented, taken aback.

"It certainly does make you think, does it not? History is supposed to be about the truth and facts. One should not be illustrating any particular action in any particular light, but instead relaying events and analyzing observable facts." Brian gestured toward the wall. "Now answer me this, young Master Grey: What if the artist had been able to immortalize the innocent people who died in both battle and siege? The women and children who lost fathers, husbands and brothers in the fury of pointless conflict, or the pain suffered by those who had lost all hope, faith and the will to live because of a cause they neither knew nor understood? Now that would be a picture worthy of admiration.”