The Four Kings (40 page)

One year since Regi’s death

Amanda’s executive assistant knocked on the solid oak door of Amanda’s two-unit office.

“Come in,” Amanda said.

The executive assistant, exhibiting an apologetic expression right from the start, held up her hands in front of her, as if she felt she would have to physically defend herself. “Amanda, Tanzania’s foreign minister insists on a conference call with you this afternoon.”

“No,” Amanda said abruptly.

“He says he’s outraged at the delays. I’m sorry, but I told him your schedule was clear today. He insists.”

“You know that I specifically asked for my schedule to be free today because it’s a very important personal day for me,” Amanda said brusquely.

“I know, I know,” the executive assistant said. “Very well, I’ll tell him.”

“Just tell him I may be called away to a funeral this afternoon. Just make it up. He’ll understand.”

The employee held up an
okay
sign as she gently closed the door. “That’s perfect, thank you.”

Leaning back in her plush chair, Amanda sighed.

She was the Director-General of UNESCO, and had been since her appointment a year ago. For one year now. She’d been in charge of UNESCO, working at headquarters in Paris, France. The capital of France and its vast cultural, educational, political, and economic clout had made it the perfect place for Amanda to cope with her profound grief over Regi’s death.

She reflected on the events that had transpired since her last day as Supreme Liaison for the Liberators.

There was that nine-month honeymoon with Regi, which during that time consumed her every waking moment. At times, Amanda was thoroughly physically and mentally exhausted, but the knowledge that every passing day was one day less in Regi’s short remaining lifespan propelled her to keep going, to savour every sound, smell, touch, and sight.

Then, as she’d planned, she started her new job as Director-General the day after Regi’s death. She knew she’d fall apart in pieces after losing him, and for now, the best way to cope was to throw herself into this prestigious job. At times, though, Amanda would burst into tears, even in the middle of committee meetings as startled delegates looked on, and then retreat for a five-minute break.

She ruminated about the unique, one-time experience that had catapulted her into the top position at UNESCO – the stint as Supreme Liaison for the Liberators, with responsibility for the North America continent.

The legacy of the Liberators continued to spark intense and mixed public reaction, even to this day. Amanda had to address these probing questions from time to time, even in her new job, from emissaries, diplomats, presidents, monarchs, clergymen, and directors. She continued to read newspaper and highly regarded blog articles about the political and economic reforms left behind by the Liberators. Amanda only cared about her own assessment of the controversial legacy – after all, she herself handled the job and had day-to-day interaction with the Liberators.

She noted, dejectedly, that no country had decided to unite with another in a bid to erase unnecessary political borders. Under the Liberators, there were only the five continents as geopolitical regimes, and Amanda strongly felt that allowed for more exchange of ideas, trade, and values.

However, there was huge progress on other fronts.

All the countries in the world – save for a few holdouts like tiny Andorra – had seen the immense benefits of the bitcoin economy, salivating at the superior ease of money flow, ability to collect data on practically every transaction of value, and the openness of opportunity for all. Yes, Amanda recalled, the
International Protocol on the Bitcoin Currency
had been signed a mere two months ago. Every country in the world was now trading in just one currency, the whole world over, and posting live data of every transaction – all under codified categories of commerce, charity, and government, for anyone on Earth to immediately access. The severe recession, the
Great Blight
that had predated the Liberators, was a distant memory now, with all countries in the world chugging full steam ahead. Amanda knew the good times wouldn’t last forever, but the immediate availability of data, all around the world, enabled much more powerful agility for policy makers to tap into.

The collapse of governments all around the world during the Liberators era – at the municipal, state, and federal levels – forced citizens to re-examine their priorities, and to demand flattening of several layers of governance, as well as disengagement from overlapping circles of social programs.

For example, in the United States, the voters overwhelmingly endorsed the power of the Senate to govern the country, with the President as the 101st Senator, elected by the Senate itself. The House of Representatives had been abolished. Terms were now five years, greatly depleting the resources of political action committees, lobbyists, and political parties, which all had thrived on the hyper-active and highly partisan two-year, continuous political cycle. And it wasn’t just the United States. Other countries abolished the concept of state or provincial governments, reasoning that – in the urban era – large cities or municipal districts were much closer to the voters and could be entrusted with senior government responsibility.

To the intense dismay of libertarians in the United States, the Internal Revenue Service was open again for business one month after Liberator rule.

Both the deposed former President Arthur K. Walker, who had headed a corrupt and deeply unpopular administration, and the highly excitable President of Patriots Everywhere United, Jake Faulkner, ran for the newly reformed Senate, and won election as Senators. Both failed, however, to become President of the United States. That task fell to a long-term Senator, Christine Schnurr, who became the first female President of the United States.

There were other minor, but highly important, tangible benefits of the Liberators’ rule. All politicians, charity governors, government administrators, and lobbyists were required to post all expenses – which were captured anyway by the bitcoin economy – publicly on the Internet, accessible by anyone, anytime, anywhere. It was a new era of transparency and access, with open source solicitation from the public on how to improve government spending. One senior citizen even browsed through the land registry office expenditures and pointed out that calculators could easily be purchased at the next door discount store for $1.49 each less – and the manager responsible publicly apologized and thanked the lady; such an exchange was positively broadcast the same evening on the national news.

With a shake of her head, Amanda suddenly shifted back to reality, in her office. For the umpteenth time, she thought of Regi and how she’d lost him only a year ago. Perhaps she should take the afternoon off and go for a stroll in the Latin Quarter, painful as it might be. Given her sorrow, it might be better to distract herself through her growing pile of paperwork.

Her nerves tightened.

Demus
.

Today was also the day he was supposed to die. She wondered where he was, and if she’d ever see him again.

As if fate was reading her thoughts, three wizards materialized in front of her.

The one in the middle was Demus.

“Demus!” Amanda cried out, aghast at the sight of him. He was a very changed person. Where he had once been a confident, slim, and athletic wizard, his appearance now told a different story. Although his clothes – he no longer wore a red shirt, having been kicked off the wizards’ council – were in prime condition, he himself was not. He had lost about twenty pounds, appearing gaunt. Dark circles surrounded his eyes and his cheeks seemed hollowed out. Although he had carefully shaved this morning, for this, his day of death – his skin was pallid. His eyes – oh, his eyes! – seemed haunted, troubled, and showed that he was no longer sure of himself.

Amanda recoiled at the sight.

A sudden energy enveloped him, once he saw the object of his longing. “Good morning, Amanda.”

She thought she saw a trace of the smile he used to have. Despite her severe misgivings concerning Demus, she felt sorry for him; wanted to hold his hand and tell him everything was all right.

“Demus.” Amanda breathed out, as if afraid to say anything more.

“Allow me to introduce two very fine wizards,” Demus said, glancing back and forth between the wizards on either side of him. “Sheila and Brandon, two of the wizards on council for North America. I’m sure you remember that council.” He chuckled, almost looking as if the gesture would cause him to cough. Then he hastily added, “They’re twins.”

“Very nice to meet you, Amanda.” The male wizard on Demus’ right stepped forward to shake her hand. Then it was the female wizard’s turn. She shook Amanda’s hand too. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

Forgetting her usual good manners, all a shocked Amanda could manage was “Uh huh.”

Sizing up the two new wizards, Amanda felt a rush of emotions course throughout her veins. Brandon wore a customary yellow shirt – instantly reminding her of her deceased husband, Regi. Sheila sported a blue top, prompting memories of Justica. Both were slim, tall, and blond. Despite the gender difference, yes, they did look like they were related. Amanda frowned. Both seemed –
different
from their predecessors on the wizards’ council. Rather than brash or arrogant, or uncaring, they seemed –
nice
. Yes.
Nice
.

Demus, now imbibing Amanda’s presence, was becoming more and more confident by the minute. Nearly back to his old self. He grinned and held his arms out. “I brought them here to support and back me up. May I spend my last hour of my life with you, Amanda?” His eyes were pleading, yet hopeful.

“We can vouch for him, Amanda,” Sheila said brightly and cheerfully.

Amanda bit her lip. She said, “Demus, can you leave for a bit and give us a minute?”

Demus grew excited. “Of course, Amanda.” He disappeared.

The former Supreme Liaison spoke in a whisper to the twins. “How do I know that he’s not invisible here, listening to us?”

“We know, Amanda,” Sheila said. “We can sense his presence. He’s not here now.”

“Magic may be cruel, but it can also be trusting,” Brandon said.

Amanda appeared quizzical. “Sheila and Brandon? These don’t sound like wizard names.”

Brandon laughed. “We wanted to keep our Mortal names.”

“Are you allowed to do that?”

“Of course.”

Amanda nodded. “That’s very refreshing.”

Brandon glanced sideways at his sister. “We’re a new generation, Amanda. We are a kinder, gentler council. Things needed to change.”

Sheila spoke up. “Yeah! Just barging in and taking over all these Mortals, five hundred million of them.” Her eyes widened. “I can’t imagine doing that; it’s a lot of responsibility!”

“With great power comes even great responsibility,” said a sober Amanda. She knew this too well.

Sheila chortled. “On the wizards’ council, just the wizards, it’s like running a country club. You know, deciding on a towel service for the guests at the pool. It’s real easy.”

Brandon also had an easy laugh that reassured Amanda. “I can see why the previous wizards decided to try their hand with the Mortals. With their world a mess at the time, it must’ve been awfully tempting.” He rolled up his eyes thoughtfully as he recalled. “The
Great Blight
.”

“What if Elsedor directed you to fulfill The Prophecy?” Amanda asked.

The twins exchanged awkward glances. “Well, let’s cross that bridge when we come to it,” Brandon said. “Right now, They Prophecy is vague enough that we don’t have to start now.”

Sheila playfully grabbed Amanda’s hand, “Perhaps on the two thousandth anniversary of Elsedor’s death!” She joyously looked at her brother.

“Maybe,” Amanda teased, “one thousand years from now, we can all join together. Humans will have developed our own form of magic. Like we’re doing now with inventing the wheel, creating fire, and now the telephone, light bulb, and the worldwide net.”

Sheila was still holding Amanda’s hand. “Yes, you Mortals have developed your own form of magic. You’re just catching up.” She released her grip.

Amanda stepped back, admiring the vivaciousness of the twins before her.
The new wizards’ council was in good hands
. “You’re so lucky,” Amanda marvelled, “to be born as twins on April thirtieth, at just the right time of the three-year cycle. Is this a first? Twins being on council? Brother and sister on the council?”

The twins exchanged fond glances. “Yes, Amanda. This is the first time we’ve heard of this,” Sheila said.

“I think Demus is waiting for you, and he doesn’t have much time left,” Brandon said worriedly. He whispered to her. “Look, it’s not my business, but I can tell you there’s been nothing out of the ordinary with his behavior. He hasn’t caused anyone trouble or grief. He –” Brandon gulped, “– has been grieving tremendously over you. Be kind to him.”

“He did a lot of wrong,” Sheila concurred. “But he knows it. Be good, Amanda. He deserves it.”

Amanda nodded. She wasn’t sure what to say.

Brandon, taking some solace in Amanda’s hesitation, announced out loud, “Okay, Demus! You can come in now!” He waved at her. “Goodbye, Amanda. Come see us anytime.”

Sheila sported a lovely, huge smile. “Goodbye, Amanda.”

Both wizards disappeared.

In their place, Demus materialized. He panted, “Oh, Amanda! It’s so good to see you!” He stared straight at her.

“Demus.”

“I don’t have much time left. In case I pass away in the next second, I wanted to say this first, so you remember me. I know you can’t reciprocate, and you shouldn’t.” His face registered profound longing. He held out his arms dramatically. “I love you, Amanda, and I will until the end of my time.”

Amanda crossed her arms.

Sensing some accomplishment, he pleaded, “Before I die, I seek only one thing. Not your love. I only want for you to forgive me.”

Amanda felt sick.
Forgive him?
“Demus, you tried to kill me!”