The Prophecy

The Stormy Road (7)

As he headed towards the gate, the Great Pope stopped him:

_ I can't let you do this. We, Wise elves men in our totality are responsible for the situation we are currently in, and despite the fact you have been sent to us as our protectors, I will not condone any barbaric act done before my very eyes. Not even to free ourselves. All paths have reasons to happen, and we must follow them while staying true to ourselves.

_ But we...we only want to go out... said Cyd.

_ We have no intention to kill them! Bud replied.

_ This discussion really as no need to be, anyway: your project is not feasible, said a rough, deep voice. We are at least thirty experienced warriors and you are only ten poor wise men to whom Wisdom is of no use!

It was the chief of the brigands, with his acolyte by his side, looking at them with lively, intrigued eyes, seemingly amused by the wise men's desperate hope.

_Have no fear, I am sure that your miserable lives are of great importance to those of Elwìnn. In a few days' time we should receive the reward we are due for having welcomed you so well!

_How dare you?

_What have we done that is so despicable? replied La Mouse. We have received you as true guests of honor and...

_Then how can we explain these bars? Abela replied, thus playing into the hands of the other.

_ Well... It seems obvious that you have to protect yourself from what surrounds you. It would seem logical to any healthy person that we should protect you from everything and especially from yourselves! It is clear that you are not in your natural state! Moreover, you do not know the cave and the many traps that have been judiciously hidden here for a long time. Not to mention the permanent danger represented by the Rift itself!

_Seen from this angle...

_This is absurd! You are outlaws but the worst is not there: you are irresponsible! For a few unfortunate solis of gold you are ready to risk the existence of the whole world. What do you even believe in? That you will survive? Learn that no one will escape alive from the cataclysm that is about to happen! Intervened the Pope.

_Then tell me, Wise Elf Man of the Wise, why the worry? replied the Chief. We're going to make the most of it before that magnificent day when the world will finally discover that there is the same justice for all! All dead, no rescues, no survivors, what equality! Isn't it so? Thank you, it is true that wise men are the doctors of the soul: you have invigorated me for the whole day. Thank you, a thousand thanks! Are you coming, La Mouse?

_ It's much worse than I imagined: they are illogical and immoral, said the Pope as he watched the Chief Brigand walk away.

_They are not illogical; they have their own logic which differs from ours. They do not take into account the general interest but their own personal interest. The only interest in the world is their own, and they do everything to privilege their way of seeing and living Life, Childeric replied.

_In other words, it is useless to try to rally them to our cause...

_...it is also useless to invoke their pity...

_...their reason...

_...or even their compassion, Siegfried concluded.

_This is a good definition of their barbaric habits, which brings us back to the essential question: what will we do to get out of here? For I guess we all feel that we should not wait for the so-called reward they should receive for your people, Bud continued.