This chapter was originally a part of the previous one, but I didn't want ch.2 to be too long, so I split it off into two. The following covers the family trip that the Fanels and Schezars take.

III. Iris

Does the Eagle know what is in the pit,
Or wilt thou go ask the Mole?
Can Wisdom be put in a silver rod,
Or Love in a golden bowl?
William Blake

Il Diavolo (The Devil)

Dinner occurred alongside the tempestuous argument between Allen and his renegade son over the matter of the damaged Scherazade. Food was spilled, and the onlookers agitated, with the exception of Orion and Hermione, who found amusement in Amadis's unapologetic rudeness. In the end, it was Valorick who mediated between the two, and made possible everyone's digestion of food.

The heat did not dissipate by evening. Fanelians everywhere in Palladium were driven into the coolest corners of their dwelling, and there, to meditate on some distracting theme. The palace, though partially cooled by the servants with the winnowing fans, still had visible heat waves that hung spectrally in the air.

After dinner, everyone proceeded to their rooms. Valorick and Endymion, having been freed from the irksome company of Amadis, took the opportunity to pack their clothes for next day's family trip.

Endymion carried a large box of supplies into Valorick's room and meticulously placed them on the table. He went onto the balcony to retrieve a few articles of clothing hung on the railing, and returned to find Valorick staring blankly at a book.

"Val, is there something wrong?"

The prince regained his awareness abruptly. "Oh, nothing! It's just that when I held this book, I had a strange remembrance. It's nothing. Should I bring a book? No, probably not, there wouldn't be time for it anyways. What are all these things you brought?"

"Oh, when I was packing I saw a few things that we might take to Griffon next week. I just thought you'd like to see them first. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all," Valorick sighed slightly and picked up an old melef model. "I nearly forgot we were supposed to visit him soon. In fact, I think I was trying to repress that fact."

"Oh, I'm very sorry that..."

"No, please, Endy, it would hardly be your fault. It's just that..." Valorick pressed down on the deep scar on his left shoulder. "I often live in fear of what he'll do. Every time we go see him, I feel like I have to be on guard, like he'll suddenly become murderous again, and forget that we're his family."

"I don't suppose those drugs they give him are working?"

"He seems to be beyond drugs, or cure of any kind. Father and mother were despaired to learn that not even love could save him. I think they've given up a long time ago. These visits are more of a formality than anything else. I think they want to forget him more than I do."

"Have you given up, Val?"

Valorick sat down slowly and began playing with the leaves of the book. "I really don't know. Sometimes I feel like I could, but other times, when I recall how he treated all of us, I just...I just, can't. It's...Ah!" he looked down and realized that the pages had cut his finger. The blood stained the golden edges of the book.

Endymion hurried to get a bandage. "Are you all right?"

"It's just a small cut, not a big deal. Anyways, there's nothing we can do for Griffon."

"Don't think about it too much. Don't let him sway your mind this way. Just as you can build Escaflowne, so you can direct your own path. Stop the haunting yourself."

"Thanks, Endy. Perhaps you're right. He could just have some disease of the mind. Did you know that father and mother are taking Hermione with us next week? After all, he is her brother as well, and she has not seen him since she was a baby. It's time."

Il Fuoco/ La Luce (Fire/ Light)

A blazing summer sun stole pass the beauty of morning and brought a perpetual noon. The whole land was made fluid by the heat that wavered above all beings and objects. Thoughts of the breezy coast and the cooling foliage offered pristine hopes of relief to the asphyxiated travelling party.

Millerna was the first to be ready. She escorted the luggage down to the opening of the canal that stretched in front of the palace. A stout sailing boat rested at harbour, its wooden planks yellow and arid from the rising sun, and its rotund body cooled by the oblivious grey water. Sailors busied in preparing for sailing.

The others were soon roused by Orion's enthusiastic yells. Celena and Hitomi distributed breakfast among the busy packers and prepared lunch boxes for the trip. The children argued about the seating plan on the boat. Hermione's fear of sitting with Amadis was resolved when Allen insisted that he remains with his parents, in order to prevent mishap. Valorick was delighted to learn that he may assist his father in steering the helm.

Amidst chaos and relentless shouts of orders and reminders, the two royal families proceeded down to the harbour and boarded their sailing boat, The Ocarina, named after the great ocean they will soon see. After settling into the boat, the hour approached midday, and the two kings prompted departure. As the boat softly left shore, the passengers looked back to wave to Nestor and his nephew, Trilllius, who stood at the harbour as the gatekeepers to the kingdom. Citizens crowded around the two royal advisors and waved farewell avidly to the king who, for the first time in many years, was leaving the capital city for a vacation. Children ran along the canal, waving and laughing, and accompanying the boat with their bouncy steps until it reached the point where the Fanelian Valley met the upward rising hill that is Fidell. There, Merle and her adopted daughter, Vianne, joined the party. Afterwards, the waterway swerved into a tunnel inside the mountains and went around the mound that is Fidell, and emerged into the forests beyond Fanelian Valley.

The dense woods parted in the middle for the canal to pass through, and the deep emerald seems embossed with one clear vein of metallic grey. Half way into the forest, the canal forks into two branches, one of which leads up to the mountain spring, whence the water came, and the other connects with the great river Eridanus.

Folklore has it that the Eridanus is the earthly form of a sky dragon god that cast a shadow of itself on land in order to watch over Fanelia. As the second longest river in Valasia, after the Alpheus that runs through Asturia, the Eridanus runs from the Blue Mountains against which Fanelia is situated, north-eastward all the way into the Bay of Beltenon. It is one of the vital veins of the continent, and Fanelia is the heart.

Seen from above, the shape of Valasia closely resembles that of a dragon with wings spread out. Geographically, Fanelia is situated right in the centre of the continent, and therefore it is known as "the Heart of the Dragon." Above Fanelia, at the base of the 'wing' is Asturia, with its many harbours opening upon the Mare Borealis (the Northern Sea). At the foot of the Chatal Mountains that mark the beginning of the wing is Basram, immediately beneath which is Fanelia. Pass the mountains lies Zaibach, with its massive air fields at the very tip of the wing. The Floresta Mountains stretch to the west of Asturia and connect down with the misty Blue Mountains that run diagonally, from northwest down to southeast, through the entire continent and end in the Southern Waste. At the 'head' of the dragon, on the other side of the Floresta Mountains, is the warrior nation of Cesario, with their sacred temple at Ara situated precisely where the 'eye' of the dragon should be. Beneath Cesario, and along the west coast of the continent are Egzardia and Daedalus. The perfumed Champak Mountains spread across the 'abdomen' and ' front foot' of the dragon, and Freid is cradled therein. Beyond the peaks that surround Godashim stretch the Plains of Angora, which touch the bottom of the Blue Mountains. The Southern Waste covers a huge area near the 'feet' of the dragon, and faces the Mare Australe (the Southern Sea). The Peninsula Imbrium, known as the 'tail' of the dragon, separates the Mare Imbrium and the Mare Stelle. Travellers from all over Gaea journey to the Mare Stelle, the Sea of Stars, to visit the renowned Coast of Calla that skirts the Bay of Beltenon. If viewed from a boat out at sea, the coast appears watery and white, for it is lined with an infinite number of ivory calla blossoms that grow so unnaturally by the sparkling sand. The city Varie, now filled with resorts, touches this coast on the east side, with its west side extending into the forests that cover most of Fanelia. It is to this coast that the Fanels and Schezars now sail.

The boat Ocarina sailed smoothly down the Eridanus, and arrived at the city Aleph, where the group spent the night before sailing to Varie the next morning. Aleph is a quiet and monkish town. Upon the creation of the city, Van built a few Atlantean temples in Aleph, in honor of the great and elusive Aeon who led him and Hitomi on their adventures. Since then, the predominant population had been composed of monks, scholars, poets, artists, theologians, and people of a similar temperament. The architecture reflected the souls of the inhabitants. Oak and pine cottages lined the country roads lit with paper lanterns, and the thatched roofs and natural wood interior exuded a soothing scent. In the night, the centre of the town, though densely populated, seemed to be filled with spectral orbs of light surrounded by shadowy shapes.

Van led the travelling party. Everyone had been asphyxiated by a day under the sun, and they leaned upon each other for support. Hitomi held Van's arm and grudgingly greeted the governing lords of Aleph as they showed the way. Allen carried some bags, along with Millerna relentlessly reminding him of miscellaneous things. The children trailed behind, with Hermione laughing excitedly at each new sight, and hurling her arms around a little girl who offered flowers.

Humbly attired and pensive-looking citizens came forward slowly and bowed to the king. They followed the royal party until they arrived at a wooden gate leading to a garden with thistles and roses, beyond which is a cottage. A wide porch without railings ran all around the house. Hermione and Amadis immediately ran onto the porch and rolled around in the large cushions lying on the cool wooden surface.

Van turned to the local official. "Lord Vasio, thank you for your magnanimous hospitality. I certainly hope you did not go to too much trouble, since we will only be staying for one night. But nonetheless, we will enjoy our sojourn here."

The slender, short man smiled with much satisfaction and glee. "Your Majesty, it is my greatest honour to be able to host the royal family here in Aleph. The abode is quite humble, I do hope Your Majesty and Queen Hitomi and the Royal Highnesses will find everything up to standard.

He then turned to Allen. "King Allen, Queen Millerna, I am too poor to have had the chance to visit your great country, though I am well aware of Asturia's renowned beauty. Therefore, I hope that you will not be vexed by the plainness of our architecture and interiors."

Millerna's face brightened. "Dear sir, this place is simply divine. I must tell you that all that luxury in the palace can become quite boring at times, as can knights in shining armours." At that, she glared at Allen fiercely and went ahead into the house. He rolled his eyes, gave Van a look, then carried on with the luggage.

Hitomi laughed nervously and took the hand of the confused Lord Vasio. "I assure you that you have done a tremendous job securing this place for us, please do not fret. Now, let us all enter the cottage and enjoy a nice meal."

"Oh yes, Your Majesty, I almost forgot that we've arranged some entertainment for you. There are not many interesting activities in Aleph, so we've only secured some musicians to provide a concert. Will that please you, my king and queen?"

Van hesitated and sighed. "I'm afraid, Vasio, we'll have to decline the music, beautiful as I'm sure it is. We have to travel early in the morning, therefore food and a good night's sleep is more vital than anything."

At this time, Orion came up with Celena and Endymion, all carrying skewers of meat. "Don't be such a spoilsport, Van!" Orion yelled. "We've got the food, now we need some fun, don't you think? How often do we not have work to do in the morning? Or rather, how often do you not have work in the morning? Hahahahaha."

Van's visage remained serious. "Where is Val? I thought he was with you?"

Celena shook her head. "He was not with us. I don't remember seeing him once we passed the market. Perhaps he is inside the house already." Endymion nodded in agreement and concern.

Hitomi immediately ran inside and came back with a frantic face. "No one has seen him. Where could he have gone? Perhaps we should spread out and look for him."

"Val!" Orion shouted with his head thrown back and mouth filled with food.

Lord Vasio stepped forth. "Your Majesty, I will immediately dispatch guards to search for His Royal Highness."

Van frowned. "That sounds good, Vasio." He turned to Hitomi. "Please don't panic, my love, he's grown up, I'm sure he'll be fine."

"Val!" Orion shouted closer again, this time standing close to the gate of the garden. Everyone else came out from the house and called out along with him. Hermione's shrilly voice pierced the tender stillness of the night.

However, shortly after, Valorick came running into the garden, waving his arms excitedly in the air. "Father! Mother! You'll never guess what I've discovered!"

Van stared silently in anger, and at that, Valorick calmed himself a little. Hitomi ran up and embraced him. "Val! You should not have run off without telling us!"

"But mother, wait till you see the person whom I ran into! A most fascinating person. A soothsayer!" He ran to the gate and beckoned in a hoary figure with a crooked walking stick and eyes laden with age and sorrow. White mist seems to settle over his brittle being yet like deep winters, his visage showed the expectation of spring.

Amadis immediately clamoured, "Oh, let him tell my fortune! Am I going to become a great warrior?" As he was about to run forward, Allen held him by the shoulders and disapproved firmly.

Valorick explained, "It is truly amazing. He knew things about me that he couldn't possibly have! Like..." He suddenly glared at Endymion, and the latter understood it as a reference to the secret Escavlon sitting in the Nerya caves, a place no civilian has access to.

Hermione also crowded in curiously. Orion in particular circled around the old man and scrutinized him attentively. The women glared with suspicion and interest. Van alone turned away and began walking into the cottage.

Just as Valorick was about to detain his father, the soothsayer held up his staff and pointed it at Van. "Vannius!"

A gloom suddenly fell on Van and Hitomi. Van stopped in his path and turned around slowly to gaze into the adamant eyes of the elusive visionary. Hitomi gasped and covered her mouth in shock. For nearly fifteen years, that name has not been uttered. Beside themselves, only Orion understood the impact of that ancient name, and the others only stared on in wonder.

Valorick looked at his father in perplexity. "What did he say? What does that mean, father? It sounds so familiar, I could have sworn I heard it somewhere. Endy, do you remember?" Endymion stared at Valorick confusedly and slowly shook his head.

Van brushed pass Valorick and the others and faced the aged man. "Where did you learn that? Tell me where."

The seer closed his eyes as if in meditation and said calmly. "From the spirits, my king, ancient spirits who have travelled from Atlantis. They say you were a warrior there once."

'That is not an answer!" Van raged. "Tell me who told you that! Was it a young man with golden hair? Where did you see him? Did he send you here?" In desperation, Van nearly clutched the old man by the collars. At that point, Orion and Allen intercepted by holding him back.

Orion tried to stand in between Van and the seer. "Van, calm down, I'm sure there is an explanation for all this. Don't worry so much! Just - " Suddenly, the soothsayer grabbed Orion by the arm and gazed deep into his eyes, as if to fathom his soul.

The soothsayer gasped. For one second, everyone thought he would die of suffocation or heart failure. But instead, he knelt down on the ground before Orion and wept, in awe. "Sahu!" He uttered through his tears. "Sahu, Thou art Sahu, the Great and Eternal One! Forgive me for not recognizing you earlier!"

Orion chuckled incredulously and helped the old man to his feet. "I think perhaps you have lost some mental capacity at your age, dear friend. My name is Orion Fanel, general of the Fanelian army, duke of Palladium, surely you must have heard of me!" He laughed and winked at the crowd standing confounded behind him.

The seer remained unaffected. "That is but your mortal name. Sahu is your true name, never forget it."

Orion opened his mouth to speak, but before an answer could come out, the soothsayer noticed Hitomi who was hiding behind Van. He approached her and likewise bowed, before pointing a finger sharply at her frightened face. "Traitor! You will be the great Betrayer! A tragedy for one, but salvation for a universe! You will betray that which is greatest."

Van pushed him away with anger. "This is outrageous! How dare you speak to the queen in that tone! You will back down or I will have you locked up, do you understand me? Guards! Show this man to the gate!"

The prophet held up his palm in silence; Hitomi faced him steadily and nodded for him to speak. He hushed the tense and beating air, filling it with the wonder that is prelude to some immortal song of a rare bird. "You have eyes for nothing, you have no yesterdays and no tomorrows, for the Great Work must be kept going."

After that, the visionary carved a path for himself in the crowd and moved towards the gate. Van was left heaving and dizzy from these maddening words. He was reminded of Aleph and all his infuriating riddles and commands. Perhaps this whole city has been infected with the prophetic soul.

Van looked over at Hitomi and found her leaning weakly against Celena who, along with Millerna, helped her into the house. Hermione clutched onto Endymion, neither understanding the situation. Allen remained with one hand firm on Van's shoulder, ready to prevent him from impulsivity. Orion alone sat on a rock, impervious to the departing prophet, as if he had accepted the words as truisms no less than Van being a prince of Atlantis.

Valorick looked at his father, at the soothsayer, and back again, then he ran and caught up with the old man at the gate. "Please sir, you must forgive my father, he has had such a troublesome past. Any hint of it brings such anguish to his heart. But you must tell me how you know such things."

The visionary turned to Valorick and took up his hands gently. "My dear young prince, just as the sun does not learn to shine, so I do not learn to see. I cannot tell you how. I do not mean to trouble souls mortal and immortal alike. I merely pass on what I see, and sometimes in doing so, I help others re-see the universe. For you, dear child, remember that the fate of the whole world rests on your one decision."

Valorick froze. Those last words reached deep into him and wrenched out some ineffable secret that ran like lava beneath the rock of his exterior. He remained entranced and did not notice when the soothsayer pulled away into the streets, or when Endymion called him from the house. Half- consciously, an image was born into his mind: a white-bearded figure clothed in pale fire hovered above ashen ruins; behind him, the dark circle of the eclipsed Mystic Moon hung in the charcoal sky. And in the air – the drumming of the royal funeral hearse.

End of Part III

Notes As I may have mentioned in Book I, the word 'Sahu' refers to 'the union of three' in Egyptian hieroglyphics. It is applied to the constellation of Orion which, according to the Egyptians, is the celestial manifestations of the three pyramids at Giza. Orion is also the place to which the pharaohs and the god Osiris journeys after death. The numerology of three is essential in this story, as it is in countless stories, myths and even religions, as in the case of the Holy Trinity. I specifically entitled this chapter "Iris" for not only does it refer to the visionary power of the eyes, it also hints at the flower iris which has three petals (a beautiful creation in nature). Plus, it is the literal translation of Hitomi's name, she herself being a seeress.

The part where the soothsayer says to Hitomi: "You have eyes for nothing..." is actually a direct quote from Italian poet Eugenio Montale (b.1896), in a poem entitled "Iris."