‘But that was then. What are we now, we innovators, we inventors, we Questors? For what do we quest? What do we offer this garden? We stand facing annihilation, and the only argument that my cousin Caprishan can offer for joining with the enemy is that we are now so useless that we cannot possibly survive alone. We, who gave the world its civilization, cannot make a chair. We, who clothed the tribes with knowledge, cannot weave a cloth. What then is our purpose in this garden land? We are no longer fruit, nor even flowers. We are straw, long dead and dried out.
‘And make no mistake, Avatars. The Almecs are the same. They do not give to the world. They take. They do not feed, they hunger. Yes, they are like us, and like us the Gardener will weed them, casting them out.
‘And I have an answer to Caprishan’s questions. Yes, I can grow crops, and yes, I can raise and butcher cattle. And I have made chairs and tables and even a bed to sleep upon. No, I cannot weave cloth. But if I need to I will learn.
‘I put it to this gathering that we reject the Almecs’ offer.’
The audience sat in stunned silence as he returned to his seat.
Rael returned to his place in the centre. ‘My thanks to my esteemed cousins. It is left now for me to speak as the Questor General. We have, through these past decades, managed to convince ourselves that the Vagars are sub-humans and natural slaves for us. We have seen ourselves as benevolent parents, overseeing a land peopled by unruly children. The first point, as I have come to realize during these past days, is a fallacy. The second is a conceit. But it is that second point on which I would like to dwell. If we are, indeed, benevolent parents, then do we allow our children to be slaughtered? I think not.
‘Despite their knowledge and their advanced civilization the Almecs have descended into evil. They do not see themselves in this light, I am sure. But that is what they are, nonetheless. To join with them would be to embrace that evil, to accept its validity in our lives. I cannot in all conscience consider such an action. It is my intention to fight them, and to defeat them. If this gathering votes to join with the Almecs I shall renounce my Avatar heritage, surrender my crystals and fight alongside the Vagars.’ He fell silent for a moment, then took a deep breath. ‘This gathering is suspended for three hours to allow you all to discuss the matter among yourselves. We will assemble again at midnight and a vote will be taken.
‘In the meantime would those among you who remain soldiers of the empire walk with me to the Museum armoury.
One hundred and twelve Avatars rose from their seats. Mirani moved to stand beside him. Taking his arm she said, ‘I am so proud of you, Rael. I have never loved you more than I do at this moment.’
Leaning down he kissed her. ‘As long as you are beside me I fear nothing,’ he said.
‘Then that is where I will always be,’ she promised.
The armoury was a dank cold place, windowless and deserted. Dust-laden cobwebs hung on the arches and upon the suits of armour flanking the grey walls. Dust was also heavy in the air as Rael led his soldiers down into the depths of the building. Lanterns had been lit in the stairwells and in the armoury itself, and the silver armour on display glittered in the dull red light.
‘These battle suits were once worn by the royal guards of the Avatar Prime,’ said the Questor General. ‘They were crafted two thousand years ago and last used in the Crystal Wars.’ Viruk strode to the nearest suit of armour. It had been set upon a wooden frame, the silver-winged helm perched on the top. Lifting the helm clear he brushed away the webs and examined it. It was lighter than he expected and crafted from a metal unknown to him. It had a curved visor that slid down to shield a warrior’s face and a long, curved neck guard at the base. The breastplate was created using bands of silver over a leather undershirt, and thigh guards and greaves were fashioned over leather leggings.