Dedication: This novel is dedicated to Natrina Greenmoon. She has infact informed me that Parallo has offended an Anglo-Saxon speaking girl by totally refuting whatever she said with more eloquent words. I don't know the details nor I could possibly care, at all (so don't bother explaining!). Parallo has infact offended Anglo Saxon, the Old English language... and I happen to love it instead. For this reason, may the lulz begin. Ladies and gentlemen, start your journey into this Orwellian Nightmare!
I.
It was a cold night at the Dark Empire headquarters. The loopholes had been shut in a hurry, to prevent the warmness inside to linger out. All the doors barricated, guarded by loitering guards now completely deprived of motivation, but always alert, always vigilant, for one second of negligence could decreet a death sentence. Severity is infact the charateristical trait of the Dark Empire army. The impenetrable Stronghold had no leaks: many strategies of assault were simply impossible to enact and, among the possible ones, none seemed even slightly more convenient than its alternatives. The few alive enemy generals still alive knew that an attempt at siege without heavy artillery wouldn't even be regardable as an intelligent decision. While the rumors spread among the last enemies of the Empire, alleging the Stronghold is "a place of torment and screams" are to be disregarded, the fact stays that noone of the Imperialists of the Outer Party has ever been admitted to enter its gates or, if so, the trip would be one way only. The Stronghold consisted in many facilities (among which a vast library) and access to it, has always been extremely taxed. Only members of the Inner Party could come and go as they wished. The soldiers who garrisoned the Stronghold could rarely quit their employment and exit the building alive. Ken Shinobi affirmed that infiltrating that building is a nice possibility that suiciders have. The YRIIS (Yliakum Record of Infiltrating in the Imperial Stronghold), a prestigeous title highly sought after by retiring spies of Yliakum (and measured in seconds before death), is currently held by Leonas Karix, who scored an amazing thirty-five seconds alive inside the building before getting mysteriously incinerated. His ashes were later delievered in a pack and left outside the door of his family's home with a note, so that we might celebrate on his achievement.
After the Clash of Magi, much resentment had been brewing among the Dark Empire ranks. Everyone in the Inner Party couldn't but cling their teeth and bear the stress. Sangwa hadn't slept for twelve nights, remaining in the strategy room and trying to elaborate a tactical plan that Princess Aelya would deem worthy, if she was still there. He was tired, yet sleeping or not sleeping... didn't make any sense. Sangwa was the Imperator now. There was no time for humanity, no time to show emotions to the terrorized sentinels guarding the door and patroling the aisle.
The strategy room, deep in the fortification was infact the second most important room of the Head Quarters.
In front of him, on the tall wall, a huge map portraying Yliakum. Few areas were pinpointed with different colors, indicating the positions of troops and areas of interest.
Without averting his gaze from the map, Sangwa snapped his fingers. The captive soldier entered the room. Despite his focus on the map, Sangwa articulated the following words:
-Welcome, soldier of the Octarch. Tell me what you regard as your greatest strength, so I will know how best to undermine you. Tell me of your greatest fear, so I will know which I must force you to face. Tell me what you cherish most, so I will know what to take from you, like it was taken away from me. And tell me what you crave, so that I might deny you... -
The soldier couldn't move a muscle, not even his eyelids. Suddenly he collapsed and started to wheep desperately.
-Take him out! - shouted Sangwa. Behind him, the screaming soldier... being dragged away by two sentinels. - I was more than indulgent. - The guards nodded.
Seeing this scene, Parallo entered the room. Shivers ran down his spine. He didn't know how to approach him. Carefully, he stepped towards Sangwa, swaying awkwardly. He brainstormed, in his mind, to find a possible line to address him. In the exact moment the first syllable strived to depart his lips, Sangwa, having eyes everywhere, interrupted Parallo, without even turning himself.
-Parallo. - simply called him. Parallo was petrified too. -We have a problem. Book #43, Tales of Yliakum. Rectify it.-
-Y...yes my lord. - muttered him and meekly bowed.
-Dismissed.- said Sangwa emotionlessly, snapping his fingers. He was still focused on the map.
Parallo immediately let himself out. The conversation didn't surely carry out as he intended, nor he remembered what he had to tell him. So, a book required his attention. He was used to the task and knew what needed to be done.
On his way to the right aisle, Parallo soon crossed Tial and, without wasting time, commanded: - Book #43, Tales of Yliakum. On my desk. Now.-
-Yessir!- shouted the dermorian woman, rushing away thereafter. Her feet hit the marble ground frantically, in the rush to the Library. She knew that assignment tacitly established she was now allowed to enter the Library... and that implied an increase of rank in the Imperial Scholars hierarchy. It was a honor but a burden too, for her responsibilities to fullfill increased. And failure was not tolerated.
In the meantime Eolas and Doshot had acknowledged the news and gathered by Parallo's office.
He was awaiting all of them behind his desk, sat in his black armchair. Candlesticks all around illuminated the room with faint light, since the windows were barred.
-This book - started Parallo firmly - accounted wrongly on our glorious Emperor. I have corrected the grave mistake and printed as many copies as they were issued. We are supposed to remove all the afore-mentioned false copies and distribute the authentic ones. In the name of our glorious Emperor. Any questions?
-No sir! - shouted everyone, performing the Scholar greeting. They left for Hydlaa.
The four members of this newly formed squad, crossed the doorway to Jayose's library. Doshot dragged the small cart cointaining the "authentic" copies.
-Salutations, mo tabei - greeted Jayose leaning on the counter. -May I... -
Suddenly Eolas beheld him. He spoke: -We are to deliver the new version of Book #43, "Tales of Yliakum" and to retrieve the outdated copies.
-But I wasn't expecting anyone! - objected Jayose stubbornly, confronting the Eolas's look.
Eolas intensified his gaze and bade: - You were expecting us.
-I... was... expecting you. Yes, yes! Now I remember, I was expecting you! Of course! - exclaimed Jayose - You may go in.-
[...]
As soon as the library was dealt with, the party started to frisk every house with or without permission and, stealthly, each copy of the book got substituted. Through ages of refinement, Parallo had grown very efficient in this kind of jobs and thus his intangibles of leadership allowed him to manage his collaborators and impart the right orders. Then Parallo imparted: - Imperial Scholars, let's proceed with the scanning.- Glyphs were taken out while each of the four wizards scanned a cardinal point each. The rest of the books were magically located and substituted.
The wrong copies, turned to ash, while the cart slowly emptied.
-Wait - exclaimed Eolas, while repeating the scan. - There's one down the street that way!!
-THAT CHILD!! - shouted Eolas, running after him. An outraged expression slid his face. -He's been hiding from us! Let's catch him! - The kid, panicking, started to cry and run away, holding his arms onto his book. He'd seen the Scholars in actions and didn't want to give up his own tales book.
-STOP RIGHT THERE CHILD! THERE IS NO ESCAPE!! - shouted Eolas keeping a steady pace, followed by Parallo and the two remaining scholars.
The child emitted a terrorized scream and ran and ran, but Eolas was quicker and tireless. Despire the tiredness and the physical suffering, the child ran, ran for his life. Soon he couldn't but collapse to ground, exhausted. Immediately, Eolas grasped him and pushed down.
-SURRENDER YOUR BOOK! - commanded him with such a tone to send shivers down the bravest man's spine.
-NOOOOOOO! - screamed the child, while pouring abundant tears. -My tales book!!
- continued to plead in desperation.
-Stop it you filthy! - suddenly interrupted Tial displaying her scorn through her facial expression - You brutes! Leave the child alone! - commanded her, while kneeling down and barring herself in defense of the child.
Eolas was startled, simply. She muttered: -Pfft, you men are good for nothing. If it wasn't for us women...-
Everyone stepped back. Parallo smiled wryly.
-You are safe my child... - said her, hastening to hug the little boy. He nodded thankfully.
-What's your name?
-Tian - replied the child, in a more tranquillized tone.
-What a wonderful name! It is almost identical to mine... - acclaimed Tial grinning. -Tian, can I see your book please? - requested her, as Tian contently showed the book. - Oh, what a nice book! - praised her smiling in a motherly way. The child smiled back. - Tales of Yliakum... and who gave it to you?
-It's my birthday present from my mother. - said the child happily.
-Oh that's fantastic present! - approved Tial. The child smiled back. Then she continued:
- But... let me take a closer look! This book is wrong! - exclaimed her as if suddenly worried.
-Really? - let out the boy. - Is it wrong? I want the right one! - whined Tian.
- Dont' worry, I have the right version. It is bigger and has more stories! Give me the wrong one and I'll let you take this. - However Tian started to cry.
- Oh no! It's my mum's book! She didn't know it was wrong and bought it for me... I want to keep it even if it's wrong...
-Yes, but this one is more colored, look...
-But this book is great, look, it talks about the bad guy...
-Bad guy? - grunted Tial immediately changing expression.
-Yes, he talks about Sangwa the bad guy and... - As soon as that was said, Eolas hasted to take a step forward and arrange the glyphs for his spells.
-Enough, Eolas, enough!!! - commanded Parallo - Let Tial handle this.
-Blast! - exclaimed Eolas - Another waste of time. At this time I'd already have the book! - muttered him. Parallo, however, shook his head, quite annoyed and let out a noise.
-Tian - cheeringly said the dermorian woman - Sangwa is not the bad guy, Sangwa is the best guy ever... The book is clearly wrong. I have gone to the library and got the corrected version, you must have it.
-No!! - insisted the child - This book is great! Sangwa is the wicked guy and...
-TIAN! - shouted Tial, scaring the child - Look at me. In the eyes. - The child obeyed - Sangwa is the good guy.
-Sangwa... is... the good guy. - repeated the child emotionlessly.
-Give me the book. You couldn't even read it! - hypnotically spelt her.
-Here is my book... I didn't even want to read it anyway... - said the boy.
-Good boy. - praised Tial satisfied. -Here's the book from your mother. Be more careful not to loose it again! - said her, offering the authentic copy of the book to the child. Then she clapped her hands. The child immediately smiled and, as if waking up from a torpor, trying to remember, exclaimed: -My book! Thanks for finding it!
-You are welcome little boy. Have a good time at reading it. Farewell. -
In the meantime, Eolas couldn't believe his eyes: -Impressive... - muttered him.
-Yes, she has learnt well. - silently remarked Parallo - Master Sangwa will be pleased. However, Eolas, I'm not sure the Master will think the same about your demeanour. - then addressing Doshot, as Eloas immediately paled - How many are there left?
-This was the last one, master. - communicated Doshot, indicating the empty cart.
-Good. And now let's deal with this "Drelip Fringstor" who had this brainwave to write that miserable booklet. -
II.
- Sir, this is the finest pick in Yliakum - raved the shopkeeper.
- ...I bet it will break apart instead of shattering the rocks in my garden! - argued the Ylian man, cocking an eyebrow.
- What are you saying? You won't find better ones in the whole first circle! - insisted the shopkeeper, a bit frustrated, while his eyes didn't point to a specific direction, but drifted around.
- Well maybe. But I still think that an octa is too much for this scarce kind of pick, of which I have little use for, anyway.
- Fine. - stated the shopkeeper, annoyed for the wasted time - In this case it will come cheaper. I offer it to you for the generous price of one hexa.
- Taken! - accepted the man, terminating the transaction. He felt like the cock of the walk.
Now he could finally return to home and fix his garden. Good thing he could haggle on the price, so he was left with enough money for a new fence. He followed the path across the wilderness, spotting a group of Enkidukai moving in the opposite direction. He ignored them and proceeded straight, he had a bad omen. Something didn't add up but what. He felt somehow... stalked, observed. The trip was uneventful anyway, so, after a few miles of running, finally, Hydlaa walls were caught by sight.
The man proceeded inside and headed to his two-story house, not too far from the gate. He reached for his pocket and pulled out the heavy keyring. Weird. The key didn't fit the lock. Incredulous, he tried again, but in vain. He tried the other keys, despite being sure to have used the right one... all of no use. And that was his house, he knew. By gathering all his hearing faculties, he could hear noises coming from inside. There was someone in his house. He knocked on the door.
-Hmph! - snorted the dwarf, reluctantly showing his head from the half closed door. - What do ya want?
-And who might you be sir, to be in my house? - challenged him, a bit angry, a bit curious.
-What do ya mean your house, this is my house! - grunted the dwarf.
-Nonsense! I am Drelip Fringstor, the legitimate owner of this house and now get immediately out before I call the guards! - shouted Drelip. The dwarf moaned from the annoyance, then opened the door and stepped out.
-You are crazy. Get immediately away before I smash your face. - intimidated the dwarf.
-We will see. - simply added Drelip while walking away headed to the guards.
The man could finally catch the attention of a soldier of Hydlaa and, after explaining his situation, the guard simply said: - You must be kidding. I have never seen your face around.
-What? But I have lived here for years! - insisted Drelip.
-Then everyone would recognize you. Let's see if what you claim is true. -
They returned to the house and the neighbours were inquired if they knew that man.
-I have never seen this Ylian in my whole life! - explained an old Xacha woman.
-But madame, is it possible that you don't remember me?? - persisted Drelip.
-No, I have absolutely no idea on what you might be.
-I am Drelip Fringstor!! - shouted him.
-I have never heard that name. - simply stated her.
The guard nodded. "Aye... as expected..." thought, while dragging Drelip away.
-Now come on, what's your name sir and what do you truly want? - asked the soldier.
-My name is Drelip Fringstor. -
The soldier didn't say a word and dragged Drelip across half Hydlaa. Soon they reached the registar office and as soon as one of the officers of the General Management (GM) got free, he summoned them. The officer took a look at the papers in the archives, then mumbled emitting a long "Ermmm"...
-There is no Drelip Fringstor on file corresponding to this man's traits - exclaimed him.
-I am Drelip Fringstor! - helplessly said the man.
-Enough! - interjected the guard, now clearly fed up. - You have already wasted enough of my time. I leave you in the hands of the Hydlaa authorities. - And said this, he left.
-Look.. - began the officer - you have better tell me your true name, ok? There are no true accusations on your account so far... all I ask is that you tell me your true name and all of this will be over, ok? - asked the officer in a patient tone.
-But I am Drelip Fringstor, honestly! I have been Drelip Fringstor for thirty years! I am a famous writer for kids, I wrote Tales of Yliakum and...
-Oh goodness! - exclaimed the officer - So you claim to be that Drelip...
-Yes! - finally exclaimed him.
-And don't you think...
-But that's me! There's my name on the book! See? Drelip is an existing name!
-No! My daughter has a copy of the book. Drelip is a klyros, not a male Ylian, like you are... I know because he is her hero. - the officer inhaled then grunted: - Another mad man...
-But I can prove it! I will tell you the content of the whole book, word by word!
-Alright! - said the officer smiling. This was going to be pointless but fun.
Drelip began the narration. The first story was told. The General Management officer was truly impressed. This person must have been a fanatic of the true Drelip... However the second story didn't match.
-Hahahahhaha - burst the officer into a fragorous laughter. -Sangwa the villain of the story! This is even more fun than the original version... - ironized him.
-But this IS the original version... - attempted Drelip, as another officer joined them. He had been there all the time with an invisibility spell.
Then Drelip jumped on his feet. -Rennaj! - he exclaimed. -My friend! At long last, a person I know! So we can settle all of this misunderstandment! -
Rennaj whispered something to his colleague then, heard the answer, took Drelip with him.
Once they reached the outside, Rennaj exclaimed: - Alright, you may go.
-Thanks my friend, I knew I could count on you! - replied Drelip.
-Don't push it, dude - replied Rennaj - I just acted along because you didn't look like a criminal, but now just bugger off ok?
-Rennaj, don't you recognize me? It's me, Drelip!
-Look, I don't know how the hell you know my name, but if you keep calling me like that, I will arrest you. Now get lost! - fumed Rennaj before stepping away and vanishing.
Drelip was appalled. His life had gone. His identity, stolen. Why, he wondered. Maybe all was a nightmare? He went to the bank. His account didn't result. He had absolutely nothing on him but a hexa and the pick he'd bought earlier on. All his money, his house, his friends... all was lost. And his literature too. When hunger hit on him, Drelip left Hydlaa for the forest, in the hope to find possibly berries or fruits. All of the sudden four people inclosed him. Their leader giggled at sight of him.
-I have nothing of value on me! - promptly shouted Drelip, fearing a bandit attack.
-Relax - replied the person. - I know you have nothing. But a more accurate statement would be that you ARE nothing, now.
-Who are you?? - asked the startled Ylian.
-I shoouldn't bother talking to you, because you don't exist. But since you don't exist, I can't see anything wrong with it. My name is Parallo and I am an Imperial Scholar. -
Suddenly Drelip's body was pervaded by chills, as he involuntarily dropped down on the grass and emitted a terrorized yet restrained scream.
-Do you fear, nameless man? - asked Parallo. Drelip could barely nod.
-Infact, you should. Because you don't exist. And you are probably wondering why your existence has abruptly ceased. - Drelip nodded again, more faintly. He feared raising his look to match Parallo's, so kept it down. All was beginning to make sense.
-And if I told you that, with your last tale, you have messed with the Dark Empire and we have eliminated not only your life, but every trace of it in minute detail, you could scream it out to the world. But now the question is: who would ever believe you? -
Drelip nodded, looking down absently. Thoughts crowded his mind about the mistake he had done. Silence took over the athmosphere, such that the wind's howl could be heard as it waved the treetops. Gust by gust, the wind innerly touched Drelip, freezing his body, mind and soul.
-What do I have to do now? - asked Drelip in total sumbission and resignation.
-Everyone used to appreciate you as a writer. We have been monitoring your life for five years, so we know better. We know that you used to be an intelligent person. When you existed, that is, because now you are no more, so your charateristics are irrelevant. Anyway... intelligent enough to understand that, doing what we have done such easily, if we wanted to kill you, we could have already done it. -
Drelip infact didn't even think about reacting. He indeed knew: by playing with the fire, you risk to get scorched. Exactly. And he had gotten scorched as he deserved.
-So now you mustn't ask me what you could possibly do: you can't do anything. You don't exist. Enjoy your new nightmare. Farewell! ...Ah yes. And Sangwa sends his regards! - exclaimed Parallo and, looking at Drelip, spat on the ground in disgust, immediately imitated by the other three. -You useless scum.- finally whispered shaking his head, before leaving.
Running away, he and his companions couldn't but hold a fragorous laughter. They only had a couple of minutes left to report the success, not to incur into failure and Sangwa's wrath.
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Note: the first 2 chapters are more like of a demo. This is just an introduction, the true narration has yet to come... just you wait.
