Reading: "Arktalus" from Evenfall of the Helical (A.Glass 2022)

 

“Does it matter who is first or who is last?...” The senior Dius Master says, sipping from the cup. “...Ah, very nice… Looking at the metallic cup, he looks at Zelac. “...As long as you don't rush.”

“But you might end up being last,” Zelac adds, completing the Dius koan with a smile, whilst sipping the tea.

“So be it,” The Master replies, sitting back in his chair,

Zelac chuckles.

“How you been old friend?” Zelac asks, also leaning back, he looks at the window within the darker side of the apartment, viewing a delivery drone as it flies past in a soundless manner.

“I've been good, a little tired...” the old Master replies, as a Zelac nods in a respectful way without saying anything.

“...But I am enjoying this tea. So, I ask you...How have you been?”

“I've been well, but I...” Zelac pauses, resting the small cup in his right hand. “...my thoughts have returned to the past.”

Uyren looks at Zelac sitting in front of him.

“And?”

“We live from past to present. Correct?”

Uyren nods.

“Some memories, more so of late are somewhat troubling,” Zelac says, his impression offering a glimpse of an underlying concern.

“A fear?” Uyren asks, as he places down his cup on a small circular table in front of him, calmly looking at Zelac.

“Yes”

“The discipline is to know that all is now, for whatever is later is meaninglessness. To prepare, is to strengthen resolve. The mental and physical is only for that moment in time.”

“Yes, but sometimes...it is hard to not feel...” Zelac shuts his eyes, briefly, opening them looking at his old Master. “...Weakened.”

Uyren chuckles. “By the world, nature?...” Lifting the cup from the table, with a smile he looks at Zelac. “...It doesn't care if we exist...” He points around his apartment. “...or not. It will still be here. But, we won't. You should know this Zelac.”

“I am aware, my meditation is focused. Yet, I think of the past, the ghosts. Where we are now, this point in time. And this city, created after the Great War, the Earth changed by nature, we, as an entity are wounded, broken...”

The older Dius Master closes his eyes, gently breathing in, he exhales with his mouth closed. Opening his eyes, looking at Zelac.

“Are you haunted?”

___

Reading:  "Arktalus" from Evenfall of the Helical (A.Glass 2022)