Origin of Evil

By Sinistral

 

 

Part One: Gods and Monsters

 

Chapter Three: Deception and Dissension

 

 

In the days following the pivotal event in Seraphina much had taken place. Anubis returned to the White Citadel the day after they had left. Osiris and the others were relieved to see that he was safe but were concerned at the absence of the others. Charmian looked franticly worried. Anubis looked desolate, as if he was tormented by a ceaseless depression that he had lost all will to fight against.

 

“What has happened Anubis?” asked Osiris frowning, noticing that his brother’s face was ashen pale. “Where are Menas and Armon?”

 

“Yes! Where is Menas! Has he been hurt!” cried Charmian, visibly alarmed and steadied by a very anxious Isis.

 

“They are both taken,” sighed Anubis in despair. “More seraphs have been lost and the city is in ruins.”

 

“What!” shrieked Charmian.

 

“Slow down Anubis,” said Osiris calmly. “Now explain to me exactly what happened.”

 

“When we reached Seraphina the city had been virtually destroyed,” began Anubis. “I was absolutely shocked by the extent of the damage. Menas seemed to be behaving strangely though. He was rather edgy, ready to turn on me if I dared to look at him strangely.”

 

“Now tell us something new,” laughed Thoth.

 

Charmian glared at him. It was true that Thoth was wise and clever. The only problem was that he often knew so himself.

 

“We conversed with the seraph leader General Xerxes,” Anubis continued. “The seraphs are trying their best to defend the city from the Asp but it is hopeless. It is too powerful. The creature exhales toxic fire! It has two heads and is at least one hundred feet tall! Menas and Armon rushed out to face it. I had offered to help but Menas became so angry that I backed off. I never saw him so mad before.”

 

“Well he is an unpredictable individual,” interrupted Thoth, failing to notice Charmian’s scowl. “Did he give you one of his famous death stares?”

 

Isis released a tired sigh at Thoth’s rather childish, inappropriate remark. For all his great wisdom Thoth’s comic timing was appalling, even though they usually laughed at his references to Menas’s operatic demeanour. But Osiris gave her a new knowing look. They all knew well of Menas’s temper. It was like a wild beast when not kept under control and often did more harm than good.

 

“Stop that Thoth!” shouted Charmian. “Please continue Anubis. What happened to Menas?”

 

“Menas seemed to wound the Asp but neither he nor Armon could bring it down. The next thing we knew the creature had them in its jaws and was carrying them off. Where they are now I do not know.”

 

All were taken aback by this news. Charmian shrieked and fainted. Isis caught her, but with difficulty. Her twins were nearly due and subsequently she was in a very delicate condition. Osiris and Thoth rushed over to help their sisters.

 

“And then you just came back here?” asked Thoth.

 

“Well what else could I have done? I had no other option. I thought that perhaps an answer could be found in the Book of Creation.”

 

“I’ve already tried that and I’m afraid the Book could tell me nothing,” sighed Osiris. “Whatever this creature is it comes from somewhere beyond the known Universe and the Book’s sphere of knowledge. The situation is now much more serious and we must find a solution. Tomorrow morning I will travel to Seraphina myself and see what I can do.”

 

“And I shall go with you Osiris,” added Thoth.

 

Osiris nodded calmly. All were rather unnerved by the whole tale and willing to do all they could to restore peace to the kingdom even if it did seem virtually impossible to do so. Charmian regained enough consciousness to hear Osiris.

 

“I am coming too Osiris. You cannot stop me.”

 

“I do not think that is wise,” said Osiris. “It is far from safe and, besides, Isis needs you more than ever right now. We will find Menas and Armon or we shall avenge them. I swear this shall be done. Have faith dear sister.”

 

Charmian reluctantly nodded and put an arm around Isis’s waist. The sisters walked out of the room and Osiris turned to his brothers with a troubled countenance.

 

“I wish I could be as sure as I pretended to be. The fact is that I have no idea what we can do. All I know is that we must do something however pointless that sounds in such circumstances as these. By Ra, what has happened to our world?”

 

“There is an answer to everything,” said Thoth. “I believe that there is more to this than meets the eye. Tomorrow we shall see for ourselves.”

 

But the planned journey was never to commence for the next morning Armon retuned to the White Citadel. Charmian was the first to see him and ran out to greet him. She could not help noticing a slight look of sorrow in his eyes.

 

“What happened Armon? Where is Menas?”

 

Charmian found it hard to put into words all the emotions that had been building up ever since the revelations of the day before. Armon raised his head to meet her dark smouldering eyes.

 

“He is safe sister,” he replied passively. “The Asp of Darkness has been defeated and Seraphina has been saved. Menas has stayed behind to help the seraphs in the reconstruction of their city. He may be gone for some time still.”

 

There was a distinctive flatness to his voice. Charmian did not notice though. She beamed and through her arms around him. Armon winced horribly.

 

“Well I’m going to Seraphina right now to join him,” she began. “I’m so glad he is all right. I was so worried.”

 

Armon’s stomach turned and for a moment he could not breathe. He shot a terrified glance in her direction.

 

“No Charmian!” he snapped. “Menas would not be pleased if you did that. He told me that he would feel secure in the knowledge that you were safe here in the White Citadel with the others.”

 

“But he would be glad to see me. I am his wife after all. Surely he…”

 

“Charmian please,” interrupted Armon quickly, his insides feeling as if they were being pulled out. “Do this for Menas. Please.”

 

“Armon you must still be suffering from your terrible ordeal,” said Charmian, noticing his apprehensive complexion. “Come inside and you can tell the others everything.”

 

“Yes,” he stumbled, slightly relieved. “Do not worry yourself Charmian.”

 

Charmian led him inside where he told the others what he had told her. All were appropriately relieved at the news and Osiris was evidently delighted.

 

“How wonderful!” laughed Osris cheerfully. “Menas is a true hero. When he returns we will have much to celebrate. His victory along with the birth of my children.”

 

“So Menas defeated the Asp?” questioned Anubis. “I find that difficult to believe. I saw that creature resist all your attacks. How did he do it?”

 

“Let us just say that he was able to draw on powers he never knew he had,” answered Armon, swallowing loudly and inadvertently conspicuously.

 

“Are you alright Armon?” asked Isis. “You look terrible.”

 

“I just need a little rest, that is all. It has been a tumultuous couple of days.”

 

Charmian went to his side and helped him out of the room. He took one last look at the sibling congregation. They smiled back warmly except for Isis, who looked at him curiously. Armon pretended not to notice and left the chamber with Charmian.

 

“Something feels wrong,” observed Isis.

 

 “What is on your mind my dear?” asked Osiris, turning to face his troubled wife.

 

“I’m not sure. I just get the strangest feeling that all is not as it seems. I think we should be cautious Osiris.”

 

“Cautious of what?”

 

“I don’t know.”

 

The siblings looked at one another and silently left the room. The silence that remained seemed more ominous than peaceful although if any felt it they were hard pressed to explain why.

 

 

    

 

Much of the time that followed was taken up with the business of Isis’s pregnancy. A week later she gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl named Horus and Iras respectively. Osiris and Isis were overjoyed, as were the others. Menas had still not returned and Charmian was getting more and more anxious. Osiris too was concerned. The day following the birth of the twins he approached Armon on the matter.

 

“Menas is still delayed in Seraphina? What is it that keeps him away? Do you have any idea brother?”

 

“No my lord. I can not give you an answer,” replied Armon.

 

And it was perfectly true. He had no idea where his older brother was or what he was doing. Menas’s absence was more troubling as time went by. Armon was fully aware of Isis’s doubts but she had become too preoccupied with her newborn children to worry. He thanked Ra for that. But the matter of Charmian was an altogether different situation. She had constantly questioned him about the incident in Seraphina and he was finding it harder to make excuses for Menas’s delay.

 

Early the next morning Armon was standing outside the great entrance to the Citadel. All was calm and Menas was still nowhere to be seen.

 

“I can’t bear this!” he cried aloud.

 

“And neither can I!”

 

Armon whirled around to see the lovely figure of Charmian standing behind him. He noticed for the first time that she was showing signs of a pregnancy herself. Her face was stained with tears and her fists were clenched.

 

“Why has he not returned?” she demanded aberrantly. “It has been over two weeks now. If you know something please tell me.”

 

“Why don’t you ask Menas himself?”

 

Charmian and Armon jumped around to see Menas walking up the path towards them. Armon was surprised to see that all the evil that had surrounded Menas when he had last seen him was gone. He looked as normal as he had before they had left for Seraphina. Charmian raced towards him and threw her arms around his neck.

 

“Where have you been?” she cried, unable to hold back tears. “I’ve been so worried about you? What happened?”

 

“Easy now,” Menas comforted her. “I’m back now and I’m not going anywhere. That is all that matters.”

 

He kissed her, took her up in his arms and carried her into the Citadel. As he passed Armon he just nodded in his direction. Armon could not understand. After all that Menas had said about settling the score he was now behaving as if nothing had happened. What was going on? He hurried after them without a word.

 

Menas entered the throne room where Osiris and Isis sat. Horus was asleep in a cradle next to the throne while Iras slept in her mother’s arms. Osiris leaped up when he saw him.

 

“Menas! At last! It is so good to see you brother!” the King cried, grasping him by the shoulders.

 

“Likewise my lord,” replied Menas. “Congratulations. They are beautiful children. You must be so proud.”

 

“Thank you, we are. Their birth has brought a new happiness to the court and it is even more so now that you have retuned. Tell me what happened brother.”

 

“My report is as follows,” stated Menas. “The Asp of Darkness has been defeated. Seraphina has almost been rebuilt. It was a long laborious business and the main reason that I have been away for so long. However, we can now live in the knowledge that harmony has been restored to the Sprit World once more.”

 

“Well done! You are to be commended,” Osiris applauded, his tone now changing to a more solemn note. “We have important matters to discuss now that you are back. There is trouble on Earth. The humans are angry because they want a full time leader rather than a temporary one. Thoth has returned and we must try to come to some sort of settlement.”

 

“Ungrateful mortals!” exclaimed Menas. “Look at all we gave them and this is what we get in return. No my lord, you would be unwise to grant them any concessions. Give them an inch and they’ll want to be our masters, you mark my words.”

 

“I still think that the matter requires a discussion. The problem will not just go away. Tomorrow I would like to hold a council meeting to talk over these matters. Now go and get some rest. You look like you need it.”

 

Isis gave him a strange look. There was something in his eyes. They seemed cold and unnatural despite his smile. It made her feel nervous to look at him.

 

“As you wish my lord. I bid you farewell and take my leave.”

 

Menas bowed and left the throne room. When he was outside and alone his face contorted into a malicious grin.

 

“Unfortunately you will not be around to discuss anything by tomorrow you fools.”

 

 

 

 

Later that morning Charmian sat with Menas in their bedchamber. Her head rested on his shoulder. Her face displayed an expression of absolute contentment. His face was emotionless. He lent down and kissed her forehead. No, he could not destroy his own wife! Then another thought struck him. He was sitting on Osiris’s throne smiling victoriously. His siblings were nowhere in sight except for Armon, who stood to his side bowing low.

 

“Armon,” he thought out loud. “I must make sure that he is still with me in this. I will require his help before the day is done.”

 

“What was that my love?” asked Charmian dreamily.

 

Menas stood up suddenly, realising his small blunder. Charmian was startled out of her momentary daydreaming.

 

“What’s wrong Menas?”

 

“Nothing my sweet,” he reassured her. “I must speak with Armon on a certain matter. I will not stay away long so please do not worry.”

 

He walked over to the door and opened it. Isis stood on the other side. Menas flashed a strange smile to which she immediately frowned.

 

“Hello Isis. What can I do for you?” Menas said in his most charming voice. “My you look radiant this morning my dear.”

 

“I’ve come to see Charmian if you don’t mind,” she answered, somewhat defiantly and surprised at Menas’s flirtatious nature. “Let me pass Menas.”

 

Charmian looked up, rather surprised at her older sister’s behaviour. Menas obediently stepped out of the way. Then he was off down the corridor like a rat down a drainpipe.

 

“What was that all about?” asked Charmian inquisitively. “Why were you so unpleasant to Menas?”

 

“Charmian I must be blunt with you,” she said, taking her hand. “I do not trust Menas. There is something wrong with him. I can feel it.”

 

Charmian was shocked at the reply. However, she loved her sister very much and knew her to be wise, almost as wise as their brother Thoth. If she had words of advice then they were certainly worth listening to.

 

“What makes you think that Isis? Menas has been nothing but pleasant since his return. I think you are imagining things.”

 

“No Charmian. I realise that it must be difficult to hear me say this but I must. I care too much about you. I want you to be safe. I want you to be happy.”

 

“I have never been this happy and could not be more so!” shouted Charmian. “The one I love is back with me at last and all you can do is tell me that he is false. One would think that you were jealous.”

 

Now Isis was angry. She loved Charmian but there was only a limit to how long she could stand her refusal to listen to good advice in a foolish attempt to blind herself to the fact that her beloved husband might have a less than spotless moral record.

 

“How dare you!” said Isis in a fury. “Can’t you see what’s under your nose? Menas may be the same to you but I see differently. Whenever he looks at me I feel as if I’ve been encased in ice. I wonder if it is actually Menas at all.”

 

“Enough!” shrieked Charmian. “I have waited for this day for the last fortnight. Now that it has arrived I don’t want anything to spoil it. If that sounds selfish then so be it. You have every reason to be happy. You have two beautiful children.”

 

“And you will soon be the same. Have you told Menas that you are pregnant yet?”

 

“No, not yet. In fact, you and Osiris are the only ones that know and I want it to stay that way for now. I want to give Menas some time before telling him. He has been through a lot. He needs to recover before he is dealt another blow?”

 

“A blow? I tell you if he so much as smiles at me again I’ll deal him a blow.”

 

“Get out! I have had all that I can take from you. If you have nothing pleasant to say then don’t say anything!”

 

Charmian shot her a furious glance. Isis simply sighed and walked out of the room. Before she closed the door she looked back at her younger sister.

 

“I hope you know what you are doing,” Isis warned. “Be careful. All may not be as it seems. If Menas is true then you will see it in his eyes.”

 

When Isis had gone Charmian slammed her fist down on the table next to the bed. She had been in a wonderful mood until now.

 

“How dare she accuse Menas of being false? Who does she think she is? Just because she is the Queen of the Spirit World!”

 

However, Isis’s warning about Menas still wandered the corners of Charmian’s mind and she began to feel utterly confused. What had she meant about all not being as it seemed. She shook her head. It had to all be nonsense. Menas was absolutely fine. Isis was just irritable, probably a post-natal condition.

 

 

 

 

That afternoon, in another room of the Citadel, Osiris sat with Thoth in deep discussion. Although Menas had quite colourfully given his opinion on what to do with the people of Earth the matter still troubled him considerably.

 

“My lord, the people of Earth will not accept our terms anymore,” said Thoth. “They want a permanent leader, a undeviating Pharaoh. They will not agree to anything else. If we do not comply I fear our divine influence will disappear and the mortals will elect their own leader, a mortal leader.”

 

“Great Ra! This cannot be happening. What was wrong with our terms? The Book of Creation told us exactly what to do and we did it. I do not believe that the Book could have been wrong. Perhaps I should consult it again.”

 

“That might be a good idea Osiris. The Book gave you the terms. Now it is time to question them. I believe a compromise is needed.”

 

“Menas does not think so.”

 

“With all due respect, Menas does not know the situation. I do. I’ve been there and seen it. Menas was never too concerned about our affairs on Earth. That was our responsibility. Whatever Menas thinks I believe that he is the wrong person to discuss this with. His views have always been somewhat controversial and conspicuously contemptuous. He cares not for the mortals.”

 

“You are wise brother and I take your word for it, but I do not think that Menas should be excluded from discussions. I value everyone’s opinion.”

 

At that moment Anubis walked in. He had a frown on his face that both Osiris and Thoth noticed.

 

“Is anything the matter brother?” asked Osiris.

 

“It is Isis my lord. She has mentioned something to me and I am not sure what to make of it. Somehow she believes that something strange is going on. The fact that I am even thinking about it worries me.”

 

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with Menas would it?” asked Thoth, looking irritated.

 

“Yes!” Anubis exclaimed. “She thinks that his behaviour is rather peculiar. Have you noticed it too?”

 

“That’s enough!” shouted Osiris.

 

The King of the Spirit World barely ever lost his temper and the fact that he did so startled Thoth and Anubis. Osiris faced them both with a stern look on his face. Too long had Menas been mistrusted and hated. He would not have the saviour of the Spirit World’s name treated like dirt.

 

“Menas has been through an ordeal the likes of which we cannot possibly imagine. He fought and defeated the evil Asp of Darkness single-handedly. He liberated and helped to rebuild Seraphina. He is every inch a hero. Now he returns to find his siblings, well at least you two and Isis, thinking him to be false in some way. I tell you I have noticed nothing and I will hear no more of this. It upsets me and above all it upsets poor Charmian as well. Hasn’t our poor sister been through enough?”

 

“My lord, I didn’t mean to offend. I apologise,” said Anubis, to which Thoth calmly shook his head.

 

“Don’t apologise to me! Apologise to Menas and Charmian.”

 

“Well I don’t think that Menas knows anything about this to be honest,” said Thoth.

 

“Good. Let it stay that way. Isis’s recent behaviour worries me. Her misgivings about Menas follow some prior qualms about our youngest brother. Really this must be something to do with her pregnancy finishing. By Ra, I’ve had all that I can take of it!”

 

Osiris stood up and walked out of the room. Anubis and Thoth were left standing in the room. The brothers looked at one another and shook their heads.

 

“So Isis had doubts about Armon also,” said Anubis. “Perhaps Osiris is right? Maybe we are just jumping to conclusions?”

 

Anubis looked up suddenly, frowning slowly as if he was trying to analyse something closely. He shot Thoth an enquiring glance.

 

“Did you hear something?”

 

“I heard nothing Anubis. What is it that you heard?”

 

“I thought I heard a crashing noise from above somewhere. Then again it was probably the wind. I’ve been apprehensive since Seraphina. I have no desire to delve into the matter of Menas’s strange behaviour anymore.”

 

“I think it best that we leave this matter alone,” replied Thoth. “We’ll never know what Menas and Armon went through before they returned. It must have been quite terrifying. I don’t want to anger Osiris anymore than we already have and I would certainly want to avoid distressing Charmian. She has the sweetest nature. But if I was to say that I sincerely trusted Menas I would be lying to myself.”

 

Anubis nodded and the brothers then walked out of the chamber themselves. From behind a large vase in the corner of the room the skulking figure of Armon emerged. He looked both ways and headed out too, quickening his pace.

 

 

 

 

At the same time as Osiris and his brothers were talking, Menas entered the chamber in the northwest tower, the room containing the Book of Creation. As he approached the Book a sharp white light illuminated the room. Menas covered his eyes and shrank back.

 

“What evil enters the presence of the Book of Creation!” boomed the mystical tome.

 

“You know me, mighty one. I am Menas, brother to your lord and master Osiris.”

 

“I recognise you not. You are no creature I have ever encountered before. What are you? Who permitted you to enter?”

 

“Enough with your games. You are not long for existence. I warn you that soon you and the rest of the inhabitants of the Citadel will be gone forever. I will rule the Spirit World for all eternity!”

 

“Be gone vile being! Get out of here or I will make you pay!

 

“I would love to see you try oh tremendous one,” Menas laughed.

 

A beam of bright light hit Menas straight in the forehead and he doubled back in pain. He raised his hands and shot a beam of red light at the Book. The red light hit the white and there was a terrific bang. Menas flew back, stunned. He had his hands over his eyes and when he took them away he noticed that the Book was glowing a bright red.

 

Menas decided that he had better leave before the noise alerted someone. He darted out of the Book chamber. When he was gone the glow around the Book vanished and all was as it was.

 

“Whatever you are, evil force, you will never escape from the White Citadel!”

 

Menas ran down one of the long corridors towards the upper central vestibule. In his haste he failed to notice another person in his path and he ran straight into them. He was relieved to see that it was Armon.

 

“Armon, thank Ra!”

 

“Menas, why are you in such a hurry?” queried Armon worriedly. “Why are you acting so strangely? Is Noxious here?”

 

Menas clamped a hand firmly over Armon’s mouth. He quickly glanced about to see whether anyone else was in earshot and might have heard Armon. He moved is face to the very side of Armon’s and glared at him fiercely.

 

“Be quiet you fool!” he whispered angrily. “Now we will go to your chamber and I will tell you everything. Keep a check on that idiotic mouth of yours.”

 

A few minutes later the two brothers were sitting in Armon’s bedchamber. Armon stared at Menas anxiously. Menas had his head in his hands and he rubbed is forehead from time to time.

 

“Are you going to tell me what happened?” asked Armon.

 

“I confronted that wretched Book and it attacked me,” replied Menas. “It must have sensed my evil aura. It failed to recognise me. By Ra, I must have changed.”

 

“The Book of Creation! What were you thinking? If the Book had recognised you then it would be alerting Osiris as we speak. It was very lucky that it did not.”

 

“It would not have mattered to me. However, that little episode did teach me something. That Book is a force to be reckoned with. I shall have to summon all my powers if I am to face it again. Perhaps I should dispose of the others first.”

 

“Listen to me Menas. If you think you have changed then I have to agree with you. Then again I know more than the others do.”

 

“Meaning they know something!” said Menas, trembling with anger. “I told you to keep quiet you imbecile!”

 

“No Menas I have kept my word. What I was trying to say is that rather unfortunately Isis seems to have noticed your change. Thoth and Anubis have their doubts also. We must tread carefully. I only just discovered that Isis was suspicious of me also.”

 

“They will be no match for me. But this is not good. I could have done without the suspicion. What of Osiris?”

 

“So far both Osiris and Charmian have defended you strongly. I overheard Osiris berate Thoth and Anubis earlier for showing signs of suspicion against you. Osiris thinks very highly of you, especially after you defeated the Asp of Darkness.”

 

Menas and Armon roared with laughter.

 

“The fool! Osiris may lead us, at least for now anyway, but he is more naïve than I thought. Good, the surprise will be even greater. As for Charmian I must confess a little sympathy on my part. She loves me greatly. I too love her but what I am doing is for a much greater thing than mere love. No! I must harden my heart and proceed. No turning back now. I hope you are still we me!”

 

“Yes brother, I will do as you command,” said Armon obediently.

 

“Good, now listen closely. Here is the plan. I have concealed the Dark Destiny and with that Noxious himself. The serpent only awaits my command. The Book of Creation is alerted to my presence in the White Citadel but it does not recognize my identity. If it tells Osiris of what happened he will never know that it was I even though the others will suspect. There will be no evidence to convict and you know how Osiris likes democracy in his halls. But we must act quickly and decisively. I will dispatch Charmian and then move on to our most gracious lord Osiris himself. While I am dealing with Charmian I will need you to distract the others.”

 

“How will I do that?”

 

“That I will leave to you. You are cunning and possess the ability to improvise. Once Osiris has fallen then you and I can handle the rest together. We need them all gone, especially those two brats who just happen to be the heirs to the throne and my throne at that! Then we will be rid of them and I can finally destroy that Book of Creation. Once it is gone I will rule the Spirit World forever!”

 

Armon gave Menas a desperate look. He noticed Armon’s expression.

 

“And you will be my trusted advisor, of course,” reassured Menas. “Tonight I will contact you before I set the plan in motion. Then you should be prepared to do your part. We follow this through to the end.”

 

“Very well, my lord.”

 

Menas opened the door and walked out, closing it silently. Armon stood where he was, stone still. A multitude of thoughts swam about in the caverns of his mind. He could hardly believe that by tomorrow all his siblings, save Menas, would be gone for good.

 

Continued

 

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