Road to truth guided by God

Without glancing at Perses, the Reverend began his story eloquently. Allured by the man's words, the audience had returned to their fixated state.

The Reverend dove into great detail about the compassion between the father, Daedalus and his son, Icarus. However, many of the words were lost on the audience as they tilted their head curiously at the mention of a land that didn't exist.

The literacy capabilities and vocabulary of the audience did not appear to hold up to that of the Reverend. However, he would keenly notice such instances and simplify, backtrack and explain carefully. Again and again, he would reiterate the fictional nature of this story and its land. This detail was lost on many, but it was not lost on Perses.

"Never regret thy fall, O Icarus of the fearless flight, For the greatest tragedy of them all, Is never to feel the burning light."

The desperate desire to hear of the safety of both father and son in their escape left the audience with baited breaths. So far, Perses also found himself greatly intrigued, especially regarding the possibility of such a place and story really taking place. Temporarily, he had forgotten his goal.

But then things changed. As if the compassionate nature of the story was being disoriented and twisted right in front of him, the Reverend took on a cold, sombre tone.

"Icarus, however, would not listen."

As he said this for the first time, the Reverend met the eyes of Perses. His eyelids reverted to their squinted state as he leered at Perses with a smile.

"Ignorantly, he neglected the dire warnings of his father and continued to sore higher and higher."

Perses didn't hide from the accusatory stare even though he was caught slightly off guard. Defiantly, he maintained the Reverend's sinister, challenging gaze.

"The wax responsible for the boy's wings melted under the sun's raging heat. Truly, he stood no chance against the force of God's sun, but what really caused his undoing was not the sun. It was gravity."

Perses couldn't help but unconsciously shudder after hearing that part. Noticing this, the man latched on and then pursued.

"The defiant, ignorant Icarus was gripped by the mighty power of God's gravity that mercilessly dragged him down. His father could only watch with sombre tears as his son was dragged further and further towards the earth's dreaded ocean. Icarus's fearful screams and anguish could not be lightened by the heartbroken, powerless father who watched on, helpless."

The cold, quiet, malignant tone of the Reverend ended here. A kind smile returned to his face fittingly as he smiled at Perses with sorrowful eyes.

"Icarus's father could only wish he had been able to protect those he cared for most."

The sad and dramatic conclusion left its mark on the audience. Rather than cry or shed an array of collective tears, they relaxed and smiled contently. Perses was surprised to see traces of sadness yet no tears. Rather than dwell on the sadness, they looked around longingly at those closest to them with a rekindled affection.

Slowly, they began to exit the hall with grateful looks, as not one person was left alone. Many stayed, lingered and spoke with each other, yet the Reverend patiently watched their backs leave the grand hall with gratitude until it was finally empty.

Perses, the last person, had remained seated and made eye contact with the Reverend as he approached slowly. The story had left Perses feeling mildly sentimental. Despite the dark personal twist the Reverend had blatantly pushed on him, he still felt a little grateful. Not only had he heard something interesting, but it was no mistake that he felt very welcomed by the atmosphere when they had all shared in Icarus's story.

"Thank you for waiting so patiently, Perses. When you entered, you looked a little anxious, but you appear calmer now. I apologise for not greeting you personally, but we are all equal in God's house.

"I need you to answer some questions for me."

The Reverend showed only the slightest shock at this revelation.

"Why, of course, I was placed solely in charge of your care since Machia's disappearance, yet it seems I've truly blundered. Leaving you all alone. I apologise profusely. I have simply been so busy as of late. Allow me to make it up to you by answering all your questions."

Perse's eyes widened. Captivated, he felt his curiosity surge at that revelation. The Reverend seemed a little taken aback as he squinted.

"You'll answer anything?

"Of course. Anything within my humble knowledge, I swear it."

Perses blinked, surprised, before he blew out a heavy sigh of relief.

"Anything, so I really don't have to fight you or anything?"

The Reverend's eyelids stayed squinted despite the fact that he appeared immensely perplexed by Perse's words.

"Err, of course. Say, Perses... you look like you could do with a drink. How about we take this to my office."

Perses nodded his head nonchalantly and waited for the man to lead the way. Right now, nothing else mattered. He only cared about learning the truth; this time, he wouldn't back down. 

'This man isn't Lugh. He doesn't have much of a choice. Did he already sense that?' 

Perses was led further into the grand hall, following the Reverand with slow steps. Grand was a word that hardly encompassed the luxury withheld by the Cathedral's largest room. Every corner was ordained by gold, silver or some concoction of refined glass. This all helped illuminate the room with its intense light, making it appear truly important.

"How was the seminar Perses, I hope it wasn't too broing for you?"

"It, was fine."

"I'm glad. It seems you were able to bask in that light with everyone. I'm very moved."

Perses couldn't help but feel very uncomfortable; he genuinely didn't understand the Reverand in the slightest. Choosing to remain silent, Perses was welcomed into a small, humble room with only a desk, a collection of paper and two simplistic wooden chairs.

Compared to the grandiose hall, the room appeared entirely barren and empty. Feeling more comfortable, Perses hastily sat in the chair provided, once more eager to pursue the truth.

Perses could feel an insatiable ambition swelling within him, one he hardly recognised. Learning more about the blessed was all he had thought about on his journey so far. Yet something else came out first.

"Machia, where did he go."

The Reverend's squinted eyes weren't afflicted at all by the hasty question. Although he appeared a little despondent initially, he answered with a kind smile.

"I suppose you would be so concerned. I'm sorry I wasn't able to alleviate this concern of yours before now, but he has up taken a mission of sorts. You could say."

Perses tilted his head at the word mission; he was entirely focused on the Reverand's tone and expression, and he had no intention of being tricked. Because of this intense focus, the Reverend shifted around uncomfortably as he attempted to explain himself.

"Machia-"

"Machia isn't really the type to do such things."

The Reverend surrendered immediately after being interrupted, as if he was ultimately used to it. He gave Perses his full attention as he listened empathetically as Perses spoke.

"Machia is always doing the things he wants. Everyone respects him, and hes not the type to just obey and do what he's told."

The Reverend listened quietly with a look of understanding.

"He wouldn't just leave me, because of a mission."

The Reverend nodded knowingly as he crossed his arms and looked away from Perses and his desk.

"I understand Perses, but believe me, there is a explanation for-"

"Believe you, how do I know your not lying."

The Reverend looked towards Perses again. If he was startled, he didn't show it.

"Sorry, its because of my own negligence that my words lack weight. I must apolagise for not supporting you more Perses. If it's any consolation right now, we are in the house of God."

Gesturing towards the grand hall and building as a whole with a sombre smile, he talked to Perses with an earnest tone.

"God's house is no place for lies. If you can't trust me then please trust that when I say I want to help you, I really mean it."

With a shy, morose expression, the Reverend looked at Perses apologetically. Only now, Perses noticed the man in front of him was substantially elderly. His aged, dreary smile caused Perses to feel pangs of guilt for being overly hostile.

"Well alright then."

"Thank you for this Perses I won't let you down."

The elderly clergyman stood from his seat and sauntered over to the room's single window.

"You see, Perses, Machia is no ordinary blessed."

Perses nodded his head in agreeance.

"He has a duty that can't be overlooked. In truth, Machia is royalty."

At this revelation, Perse's eyes widened as things started to make a great deal of sense to him. How they had approached the castle with such ease and how no matter where they went, he was greeted with a great deal of attention that Perses had not been.

"He is not only royalty. He is the prince of this kingdom and the sole successor to the throne. As the king's very own adopted son, Machia will indeed be king one day."