The Interplanar College, # 4— "Two's a Party"

[Short stories. Images generated by hotpot.ai]

Hawk Helsworth patiently listened to the Disciple of Havenforth, Venerable Aljuss, enumerate the specificities of what he determined to be the major points of contention, at this point, between Magos and and the Ethos. Hawk’s mind was feasting on at least six points he had missed, though he didn’t deign to share it with Venerable Aljuss or anyone else, unless they were Ethos. Loose lips sink ships, and Venerable Aljuss preferred to contextualize everything such that the University itself would make peace throughout the Cosmos, which Hawk associated with idolatry.

He expounded: “... Even in their most ancient texts, the wizards of the unnamed Pharaoh were able to perform in kind the powers of Moses, who is distinguished to be divinely inspired, whereas Pharaoh's magicians derived their power from purported wicked entities. It may be such potent ether is only possible with the greatest possible being in or absent of the cosmos, whereas the magicians worked with their limited range of magical powers.”

Soon after, Hawk was grouped with Hermione and Ron to open a dialogue. His brain told him she was a snare, but his heart rebelliously wanted her in his proximity. But as long as Hawk remained disciplined and did not foster friendly relationships with Magos, he could focus on his goals.

“Is that better, Hawk?” said Hermione. “Referring to?” There was silence. “That entire lecture re-contextualizes your former prejudice,” she said.

There was silence.

Then Hawk said, “I’m afraid I’m gonna have to break your heart.” “Honestly,” said Ron, it seemed like he need not say more. “But after hearing all that!?” said Hermione. “What of it?” said Hawk. “He basically told us what we already knew.” Galled, Hermione gathered herself and said, “Well, let’s look at the first case in point. There is scant evidence in human history that clergymen ever outperformed wizardkind in ethereally-based abilities.”

Hawk was nonplussed.

“Listen, you kid. I have killed thirty-seven witches in all my years of planeswalking. How does that make you feel?”

She choked on emotion, but was too strong to cry.

“Do you even belong here? You’re a bloody murderer!” said Ron.

There was a pregnant silence.

Hawk said, “If we were to visit Hell, where they belong, would they tell you they… what was it again? ‘Outperformed’ me?”

Her throat burned with emotion and outrage, but she didn’t let all of her fury show. Then she said, “What if you find out you belong there with them!?” “You’re a real piece of work Helsworth,” said Ron. “Every one of those witches committed infanticide or were sex predators, along with consorting with demons.” “We’re not all alike!” said Hermione, “If that’s what they are, then good riddance! Not that I believe you.” “When you tell the truth, you don’t need a good memory.”

“Yeah?” said Ron, “You seem to remember just how many witches you killed.” “Wizards, too,” said Hawk, “though they weren’t children, like you two.” Hermione breathed deeply, calming herself. “We’re supposed to open a dialogue.” “Okay,” said Hawk, “If you could quit your precious magic and serve your Maker, would you?” “You don’t know my Maker,” said Hermione. “Actually, I know him better than I know myself.” “Prove it,” said Hermione, “prove you love your enemies.”

There was silence.

“Score one for wizardkind,” said Ron. Hawk cleared his throat. “Fine. Join me for lunch.” “Why would I want to?” “More scintillating conversation, I assume.” “Well, it wouldn’t be boring, I’ll hand you that,” said Ron.

There was a cathartic silence.

“Can I ask you one thing?” said Hermione. “If you can bring yourself to ask it, go ahead.”

There was an angry silence.

Then, “Are you happy?”

Hawk breathed a bit.

“Stings, doesn’t it?” “Not really. It’s just hard to answer.” “If it’s worth believing, wouldn’t it make you happy?” “That makes sense, if you’re a child.”

The silence was dark.

“Sure,” said Hermione politely, “We’d love to have lunch.”

Ron said nothing.

“I’d tell you ‘blessed are those who mourn now’, but I can tell it makes your ears burn.”

Hermione cleared her throat.

She said, “Make your own pizza day, at the commons. My fifth most favorite.”

Hawk said nothing.

“Don’t worry,” said Hermione, “it'll get better for everyone." She did not say how she knew. “I’ll believe that,” said Hawk. “Well, it’s almost like we’re best enemies. Cheers,” said Ron.