Chapter 12: Epilogue

A thin wooden door creaked open, and a cloaked figure entered the room, bearing a limp figure in its arms. The door closed, and the table lamps and fireplace blazed to life all at once, revealing an Inn room with bare wooden furniture and a rough, straw cot.

The cloaked man pulled back his cowl with one hand, revealing Monsignor Pius’s dark hair and glittering eyes. He gently lowered the limp figure onto the mattress.

The limp figure swayed, and then sat up and pulled back its own cowl. Underneath was Brother Lux, who was pale and sweating as though ill.

“I will not collapse- look,” Brother Lux said, sitting up a little straighter. He raised his hand to show Monsignor Pius. “I’m not even trembling-”

Brother Lux stopped and blanched at the sight of dried blood that streaked his white hands.

Monsignor Pius smiled indulgently, and then knelt by Brother Lux’s side. He stretched out his right hand, and at this unspoken command the washbasin flew off of the table and landed on the floor beside him. Then he took a cloth, dipped it into the washbasin, and began to wash Brother Lux’s hands.

“You did well,” Monsignor Pius said. “You didn’t even blink as you performed the sacrifice.”

“It was only a stag,” Brother Lux replied. “I’ve eaten venison before.”

“Yes, but I know how difficult it is for your healer’s hands to take life. It caused you pain to perform the sacrifice, and that has given my spell even more power.”

“I’m no stranger to blood,” Brother Lux said in a stronger voice. “I’ve washed it from the hands of the suffering. I can wash it from my own.”

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“Indulge me. I need to worship these hands, now.” Monsignor Pius dried Brother Lux’s right hand with his own robe, and then kissed the hand gently. “These hands- they give me their power, industry, and love so freely.”

“Everything I have to give is yours,” Brother Lux said.

“I know.”

The two sat in silence for a moment, and Monsignor Pius began to wash Brother Lux’s left hand.

“My brother-“

Monsignor Pius paused and arched an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“He helped us with the ritual. He chanted the spell with us, and leant us his own power. Can’t we tell him the true purpose of the spell?”

“We’re starting a war, Lux- a war your brother will not approve.”

“We’re trying to change the world. Hope doesn’t see our true purpose, yet. You could explain.”

Monsignor Pius dried Brother Lux’s left hand, and then pressed his lips against each finger, each knuckle, turned it over and kissed the palm.

“Your brother doesn’t trust me yet,” Monsignor Pius finally replied, still clinging to Brother Lux’s hand. “Not like you do. When he and his wife come to me and confess their conspiracy, then I will consider telling him.”

Brother Lux withdrew his hand and turned to gaze into the flames that danced in the hearth.

“Lux?”

“I don’t regret it- that you can see Hope’s secret in my mind. I gave everything to you when we made our bond- body, mind, and soul.”

“You’ve still betrayed your only living kin. I can see the pain that betrayal has caused you as clearly as I saw the secret.”

“It is a little pain that will soon pass. What is it but a childish quarrel with my brother? When I am as old as you, I will never think of it.”

Monsignor Pius nodded. “I hope you won’t.”

“It’s the same with this war. When mankind has gained true immortality, free love, and dominion over the earth and seas, what will we care for a small skirmish between two nations? It will be a sad note on the page of history.”

“Well said, but you don’t really understand the words- not yet.”

Brother Lux slid off of the mattress and knelt beside Monsignor Pius. “Then show me again- let me see the truth in your mind.”

Monsignor Pius kissed Brother Lux slowly, deeply, tangling his hands in Brother Lux’s thick, brown hair. Then he broke the kiss, and a smile tugged at his swollen lips.

“Look into my eyes, and I will show you the city of my birth. It is just a small glimpse of the paradise I promise mankind.”