Still The Night

In Otto’s adolescence his imagination floated with wonderment at stories that gave sight behind the veil, eager to pursue surreptitious aspects of life. His parents were “Old Testament” serving their son the wine of southern Baptist teachings. Otto drank deeply from the blood of the heavenly father. He reveled in the thought that there was a higher power learning the teachings of Jesus the Messiah- the human embodiment of God who died for Otto’s sins. Who made the ascension of becoming one with the Holy Spirit so that others could shed tears of glory at the infinite self-existing energy source. An ultimate universal river leading to the depths of the spiritual ocean: bottomless knowledge to fight against darkness. Otto knew he wanted to serve God. He was born a truth seeker, praying for patience and practicing the discipline of stillness. When he became a man, became wiser of the universe, he knew he would enlist himself as a soldier of the ultimate one and spread truth like a contagion.

As a truth seeker Otto’s mind was naturally curious. Not only did he want to understand the lore of Christianity but of all religions. During his studies, his first branch out into another spiritual teaching had been Buddhism. To the delight and wonderment of Otto’s spirit, Buddhism had a lot of Christian aspects. They fit together like a missing puzzle piece of the soul.

Buddhism required actual practice alongside prayer. He couldn’t just pray for discipline. He had to become discipline; so Otto decided to practice meditation and yoga. Practices that had led him to the study of Hinduism and discovering the seven energy centers of the body, he realized how to unlock the dams that prevented spiritual currents within him to flow freely.

Otto continued to explore other avenues of spiritual enlightenment. He studied occult books that honored the same values of Christ, unleashing magic like energy and considered himself blessed feeling nothing but progressive happiness. A peace of mind within himself. He welcomed the opportunity to move up in the hierarchy of enlightenment, influenced by ancient truths that pealed back the veil of universal understanding.

Otto’s life was no longer his own. He could no longer walk-through life for personal gain. He would walk the world and help others reach the balance of “no birth- no death”.

He graduated college receiving his full doctorate in theology. His thesis statement blended the qualities of every religion that paralleled the first religion he ever studied, Christianity, completing the full cycle.

Otto wanted people to see the manipulation behind the illusion of religion. The divide and conquer tactics that prevented people from seeing the truth. That it was all one. The truth lurked within each individual. He hoped people would look inside themselves and see their own path to divinity. That was the key to life, helping others grow into one consciousness.

He left the university, finally a man of his own. Even decided to take a trip for himself to make a circuit of the holy ground that he had come across in his studies. He flew to Zeeneth with only one traveling pack, keeping his pace light on his way to Selene. A group of spiritual workers there met and would trek out into the desert sands that covered Selene, their high red cliff faces the only remanence of the ocean that once loomed high above the daunting sandy cliffs, to meet a shaman who helped guide seekers through their experience on ayahuasca and higher dimensional visions. He then flew to a monastery in Fiend to practice mindfulness in silence under the patient watchful eyes of the monks who lived there. Walking through the trees as the sun lurked lovingly behind the leaves giving them a golden glow, sipping tea and breathing in serenity. He even found passage to Icastan where he tucked a prayer into the Cave of Sorrows. A personal pledge contained on that small scrap of paper that he would complete God’s work through Him. He would be a tool to usher in God’s glory.

Even great travelers throughout time needed stability. Hotels became lonelier the more he stayed in them. Undeniable longing for companionship seemed to fill his heart like the sand in an hourglass. His parents did leave him with enough money after he graduated to get his future out of his dreams and into reality. But ideas eluded him, and he knew it was wise to keep moving until inspiration dawned on him.

On a night under the stars it came to him. Otto would establish a spiritual community for him and wonderers alike. The thought whispered to him first through a vision: a temple of worship that would change the dynamic of prayer and study without judgement. But there was a slight problem. Otto didn’t know anything about carpentry or infrastructure. He checked through the contacts listed on his phone to see if he could network to get the ball rolling. Through his travels he happened upon a young man by the name of Shepard. Shepard had mentioned the last time they had spoken over a pint of ale that he had an older brother named Elias who owned his own construction company.

Relieved he got Shepard on the phone finding the man in good spirits. Otto gave a brief layout of what he planned to Shepard who told him it would take a couple of days to rendezvous with Elias. They could sit down to enjoy a steak and discuss business in Sallad as soon as possible. Shepard, born and raised in Sallad recommended the hotel. Otto purchased a cheap plane ticket and made it to Sallad in thirty-six hours. He spent the next few days enjoying the city its large expanses stretching as far as the eye could see. Otto was joyous, digging the exclusivity of the people there. It was as if everyone in Sallad knew what they wanted to do and where they were going to be.

When Shepard contacted Otto again he informed him that they both would have dinner with Elias and his wife. They took their time getting to know one another and by the end of dessert seeds were planted in Elias mind that blossomed into the excitement in his gut, confirming good business. Negotiations took place a couple of weeks later. Paperwork drawn up and signatures were fulfilled. Otto found efficient acres of land surrounded by trees to bless and began production.

He wanted the temple of worship to be as humble as possible. Elias formed three individual circular structures that aligned in a triangular formation with all the essential plumbing, including above and below electrical wiring. One building for business, one for meditation and worship, and the third he felt appropriate: a wine house so people could speak the dharma off the lush. Even drunkards wouldn’t feel ashamed of seeking absolution.

The holy ground became known as The Den. A "come as you are" establishment, where people who hadn’t felt like they belonged now had a community where they could find rest, forming healthy emotional and psychological relationships. Time seemed to blur, and spiritual seekers felt drawn to The Den like a universal summons. Philosophical enlightenment spread from violet flame to violet flame.

Otto’s favorite time were always the meditation sessions. The only light source came from candles. They aligned on the perimeter of the community circles: cushions, pillows and other plush luxuries where people could form nomadic tribes stretched through the expanse of the circular abode. Members sprawled out. Some practiced yoga while others sat back sipped red wine and ate communion.

The communion basket a rectangular woven box with a buckled lid Otto had received as a small token from his time in Fiend, would be passed around with a variety of spiritual substances. Dealer’s choice. Focusing on their breathing as the psychedelics kicked in, the third eye opened and they faced the trials and tribulations of the soul. Soothing music played in the background as people worked within to achieve a higher sense of self.

It wasn’t always easy. Spiritual journeys could grow sinister in a moment’s notice. The spectrum between light and darkness will forever be more than our curious minds can process. When a wanderer went astray from dark visions, it took a group effort to encircle the disgruntled like one might circle cattle. Positive energy radiated off the bodies of the sway. Consolation and physical embrace were sometimes required to bring the love back in. Peace like balance once again restored.

Otto prided himself that he didn’t have to stand in front of people all the time for them to experience something holy. The people who came here formed their own relationship with the ethereal realm. It was theirs to wield as they envisioned it.

Months went by and Otto felt contented with his life’s work. He even hired Shepard full time to keep up with the maintenance around The Den. Shepard took the initiative to learn the studies of truth under Otto’s wing. And for a time Otto found peace in their day to day lives.

The world outside The Den was ever changing. Every time Otto looked at the news he found something disturbing and quite frankly ridiculous from a holy perspective. Once he tuned into a podcast session where an entrepreneur who went by the name of Clampy started up a dry humping parlor. "A proprietor of stroke game" Clampy could be quoted. He claimed it to be therapeutic. “Get inside them walls and give the lady a little dry pump. It cures depression see? Right now we’re in a spiritual war and people could use the distraction. Clarity can’t come from depression,” Clampy’s voice rang over the podcast. Some of that statement sounded reasonable enough. Just a bizarre notion to achieve liberation brought forth a deep chuckle from Otto. He shook his head grinning like a mad man. The internet had no boundaries anymore. Mental health was on the decline at warp speed because of it. Online sources fed people’s narcissistic behavior. Violence with a capital V numbed feelings of compassion but became a delicacy like watching sports in the morning. All these values went against universal law.

Even relationships had mutated into something undocumented. Otto started to notice a drift between male and female outside The Den. It seemed with each generation the more confusion turned into bold loathing of one another. Though the outside became sick and lost there was a sense of irony. This sickness gave him the drive that he needed to continue ushering more people into enlightenment so they could strive for their higher selves which consisted on nothing but love.

Word spread and people could see the positive effects of Den members. When Otto was asked to pray for the sick he would bring some form of nourishment depending on the symptoms and read words of healing. He sat by the death beds and told stories that spoke truth to uplift spirits. Many he sat with passed away with lingering expressions of peace. He won the respect of juveniles who used aggression as their primary action to handle disputes. If violence became necessary, let it be done with honor. He gave them books to read on culture and the heroes who died by the sword. The lessons intrigued the youths so they were able to stand on the shoulders of giants who formed wisdom on brutality. The young soon-to-be men drank deeply from a strong male influence.

“Emotions are energy, if you can manipulate energy you will have the ability to control emotions,” he informed them as they gathered around him on one knee- a sign of discipline. “Think. Put all emotions to the side. Then you are capable of having a clear mind to make the most accurate decisions that stray away from bloodshed”.

Elias grew fond of Otto and their business relationship. In keeping up with maintenance and The Den’s upkeep Otto had to hire a couple more workers to help keep things slick and clean; a steady cash flow. Otto attended another family dinner at Elias’ home one evening where they ate outside next to the smoker, ribs falling off the bone. Elias offered him the opportunity to aid his frat brother through his first marriage to his college sweetheart, orchestrate their vows.

Elias smiled as he reminisced, “Yeah back in those days when we were walking the lonely street of the university.” He checked around to make sure his wife had distanced herself before he continued, “His soon to be bride would let us guys take turns.”

Despite that last comment, he kept his judgements to himself and felt honored beyond delight to help a couple with love… until the actual ceremony itself.

All at peace as the couple stood in front of the alter looking lovely as ever with Otto standing a step up beside them. The wedding had been progressing splendidly until “it” happened. Right in the middle of his love binding monologue the interruption occurred. A soft moan came out of the audience. He froze and looked out into the crowd. There came a stifle of laughter from the attendants and Otto gulped, becoming conscious of himself as he began to perspire. Was this some kind of joke? He tugged at his collar and looked to see if he could find Elias. He spotted him also looking for the sign of the disruption with a mixture of bewilderment and amusement. Otto thought it best he continued, “The rings please”.

The maid of honor and the best man took out the rings. Otto could have sworn he heard a faint buzzing noise in the crowd as if someone’s phone was on constant vibration followed by another moan fighting to not be heard. He looked back to the pews and saw a woman leaning over in her seat, hand clutching the top rail, a slight “O” forming on her mouth. A man beside her had his head down covering his face, shoulders shaking as if her were crying. When Otto turned back to the soon to be newlyweds, he saw that they too shared the amusement with manic delight on their shining faces.

Otto felt like a fool, like this whole charade was a set up just to see how he would react. He just wanted to end this folly and get back to The Den where things made sense. Back to holy ground. But the world wasn’t going anywhere. The world would soon come to The Den’s doorstep.

The wedding passed without boisterous interruption. Thankful for it to end, Otto quickly retreated far from the procession back to his sanctuary.

A week later on an overcast day, a storm threatening to break at any moment, Otto sat on the floor in his office. The pillows and low tables mimicked the style he has seen in Icastan, his legs folded beneath him crossed at the ankles. A great discipline even with Otto’s bad knees. He had just run three miles that morning around a local lake not far from his sanctuary. Endorphins had him ready to practice mindfulness to write his next sermon. He liked to preach at least once a month. It was custom that if anyone desired to hold the floor they could do so. Otto just held it more frequently. He rose and was in the middle of making a cup of coffee on the counter behind his desk when there came a knock at the door.

“You may enter” he announced, taking in the aroma of the black roast.

Shepard poked his head through the doorway, “Sorry to disturb you Otto, my brotha”. He gave a slight bow.

“Nonsense. This cup of coffee is going to set me right. I don’t know what it is about dark weather, but it makes a man want to ponder life and write”. He added two packs of sugar before a two count of half and half. He sat comfortably behind his desk before he raised his eyes and got a good look at Shepard. A sheepish expression passed Shepard’s face that only a twenty-two year old could give.

Shepard couldn’t keep the excitement from his voice, “You have a guest, a daughter of God who seeks your council.”

Otto raised his eyebrows. “Is that so? Send her back in about ten minutes. I need to find a stopping point for my end of the month message.” He said the last bit mainly to himself. Shepard gave a nod before leaving the room, in the end anything Otto wrote didn’t seem right. The vision didn’t come so neither did the words. He stacked his papers neatly and tucked them back into his desk. Since he had little less than ten minutes to spare, he thought it best for a quick meditation session to clear his mind for a new potential spiritual companion.

Otto let his mind drift into the void until he faintly heard the door open. Heels clacked until she apparently kicked them off, settling into a comfortable sitting position in front of his desk. He could visualize it in oblivion. He focused on his breathing until the phone timer went off and he rose off his meditation mat. When he walked back around and settled once again taking in his guest, it left him breathless.

The woman across from him had dark eyes that bore into him like a quiet storm. Unwavering and completely disarming Otto. In fact, just looking at her made him nervous. Sinister sexual overtones shot off the map radiating from her. Her hair was down, the luscious curls on one side of her head cascading to her waist, the other side shaved clean with a slight upward fade. Taking a deep breath Otto started, “Welcome to The Den Miss….”

“Lexi. Without the “miss” part. I’m no more miss than I am a lady” she said with her eyes slightly low. Otto could faintly get a look at her dark chocolate legs crossed together. Lustful thoughts crept into his mind. He pulled himself together. Now was not the time to think about those legs wrapped around him—damn it there it was again.

She brought him back to attention, “I’m here because I seek absolution from the Ancient Ones. I fear I am not what I once was”.

“And what were you before”?

“Whole.” She said simply. “Now I feel as if there is a gap inside me, growing larger each day. And no matter what or how I try to fill it in the physical realm, the numbness doesn’t fade”.

“Do you truly believe in the guidance of the Ancient Ones?”

“I was a bit skeptical at first, but I feel as if I’ve exhausted all my options.”

Otto felt the gravity of her words. He shuffled slightly where he sat, rocking on his hips slightly. “You sound agnostic.”

“Maybe I am. Isn’t it your job to convince me otherwise?”

“There is wisdom in keeping beliefs open minded. Especially when discussing theology or interpreting ancient scriptures. We cannot speak in absolutes. When it comes to spirituality it’s important to understand that you have to crawl before you can float. Learn the ABCs of the practice. Some accept truth for what it is while some can’t because they haven’t balanced their karma. Bottom line is self- contentedness blinds those who seek truth behind the veil.” He became thoughtful for a moment before continuing. “The Den. This community is a group of spiritual seekers who wish to understand and document the way of the universe of natural law.” He took a sip of his coffee before continuing. “It’s impressive enough that you even know about the Ancient Ones. Most people just pick an alter and stick with it.”

Lexi inclined her head. “Only a fool would push aside ancient text thousands of years old. No matter the manipulation.” She drew her left hand and pushed her hair behind her ear revealing a stick of tea. “Mind if I smoke?”

Otto grinned, “As long as it’s not tobacco. Be my sister in spirit, but tell me,” he gestured with his hands. “How do you want the Ancient Ones to help you fulfil your life? Once you tap into the ultimate source of energy what are you going to do with it?”

She didn’t hesitate to answer. “I would like more subscriptions to my FirstLooks.”

Otto didn’t see this coming. He gaped at her in shock as she blew smoke rings. “FirstLooks? That’s why…”

Lexi dead eyed him amusement flashing behind the molten chocolate eyes that held his stare. “Oh, so you’ve heard of FirstLooks? Such a holy man you are.”

Otto was beside himself. “I mean… yes. I’ve hear-“

“Don’t judge me until you see my profile.” She slid her phone towards him before stretching like a cat, making herself more comfortable, watching her prey squirm.

“I don’t need to see this,” Otto protested. But he did want to. He knew the moment she acknowledged her FirstLooks account. When she gave him her phone, he couldn’t wait to look at the delicious horror.

Otto became so absorbed in the phone he didn’t even notice Lexi had walked back toward the door. “Your maintenance guy, Shepard I believe his name is, has already offered himself to help me make amends with the most high. Says he takes his lessons in metaphysics from you."

Otto looked up from the phone. “You think just because you pray and confess your sins to God He will help you exploit sexuality for more viewers?”

“Precisely, She will.” She gave him a wicked smile.

“I don’t believe that’s how this works. You have to look insi-.” But she had already closed the door behind her, not stopping to collect her phone. Otto felt that was intentional.

The Den had the privilege to be surrounded by nature, trails snaking through towering trees, place for meditation walks. It gave members the chance to search their thoughts, listening to the world’s music.

Otto decided to take a stroll to steady himself after his encounter with Lexi leaving the decrepit phone behind, not willing to risk the temptation. He had done this day after day for the past two weeks, until today when he spotted Shepard. On a normal day, Shepard had a bounce to his step, his heels rarely touching the ground while he walked. He was always on the up and up about starting a new day working or socializing. What Otto saw was nothing like that. There was something sluggish about his movements. He took heavier steps like he was pulling his shoes out of the mud, looking down as he walked. Somehow Otto knew that if he started a conversation with him it would lead to the mysterious woman, to Lexi.

Otto caught up with him and it didn’t take long for Shepard to express what was on his mind. “We’ve been confessing every day since she welcomed us with her presence.”

“I never took you as someone who prays daily,” Otto said a little shrewdly. “Even I struggle with prayer discipline on a day-to-day business because of distractions. She must really give you focus.” He tried to get Shepard to hold eye contact with him so he could see truth.

Shepard drew into himself slightly. “Well… I mean… I’m there for her and… um”

Otto shook his head. “Good lord man, tell me you’re not…”

“Look.” Shepard seemed to find his resolve, stood up straighter with an abrupt halt and turned to look at Otto man to man. “I’m into her.”

“I bet you are.”

“Seriously. We really have a connection. And she really needs somebody she can talk to. She’s broken just like the rest of us. I’m sure there was a time when you were broken or lost in the mind of self-doubt. You know the horror of not knowing your place in the world. At least that’s what you been teaching me. Was that real or have you been bullshitting me this whole time?”

The accusation in his voice took Otto back. “You’re right. I’m sorry to judge you. Forgive me brother.”

Shepard waved him off. “Look, she invited me to have dinner at her place tonight. Why don’t you come along? We’ll sip some wine, be sophisticated for a change. And you can get to know Lexi for who she truly is.”

Otto accepted the invitation. Just like the wedding ceremony he would come to rue it. He showed up fashionably late and rang the doorbell, a bottle of bold cabernet sauvignon in his hand. Lexi answered the door wearing a dress that clung to her curves, leaving little to the imagination, the color of dark shadows in the morning sun. Barefooted, she thanked him for the wine and led him to the table. There were more guests than Otto anticipated. Another woman sat at the far end of the table.

Shepard sat across the table from two gentlemen, Lexi at the other end across from the other queen, the two women staring at each other with silent smirks. Otto bowed to everyone before introducing himself and settling down in his seat next to a fuming Shepard. He had never seen this side of him before.

Lamb chops drizzled in chimichurri with sides of roasted parsnips and carrots and a side of mashed potatoes went wonderfully with the bold wine. Otto silently surveyed the table as he enjoyed his meal. Sitting to Lexi’s left was a gentleman named Zella, your typical pretty boy with an outlandish smile and every time he flashed it in Lexi’s direction, she showed a moment of weakness behind that womanly facade of armor allowing the vulnerability to slip through. Both of his arms were sleeved in tattoos that made Otto think he did not come from a rich background but from the streets.

Moros sat next to Zella. He kept his eyes only on Shepard. Otto did not have a good feeling about him from the start. Shepard stared intently at him as if he would like nothing more than to jump across the table and start throwing haymakers. He kept making gestures of breathing in Shepard’s direction hoping the boy would catch his meaning. Luckily Shepard caught his gesture out of the corner of his eye which seemed to at least give him a steadiness to focus on while he clacked away at his food. The woman at the opposite end, Jaza, had a walking cane by her side which struck Otto as odd considering she couldn’t have been much older than he was. Otto watched the exchanges as he poured deeply into his wine.

“Shepard, dear boy, this isn’t prison. You can take your time eating your food.” Jaza said rolling her wine in her glass.

It was like Shepard snapped out of a trance. “Excuse me. My apologies.”

“Don’t let her bully you,” Zella said, “If you give her ground she’ll have her way with you.”

“Perhaps the boy will like it. Even his name sounds like it should be obedient, like a beta male,” Moros made a mock sigh of fealty with a look of concern, “Isn’t that right Shepard? You like doing what you’re told?”

To Otto’s surprise, Shepard didn’t take the bait.

“Come on Zella, I’m sure there have been times when you let a woman take control.”

Shepard seemed to tense up as Maros started chuckling to himself taking another bite out of his lamb chop. Zella poured Lexi another glass of wine before he downed his own. “Only the wicked, as you well know.” Lexi blushed. Otto looked at Shepard to see all the color drain from his face. This seemed like a test of some sort but Otto couldn’t understand why. It was like Lexi deliberately invited Shepard so she could torture him. She had to know how he felt about her. The signs were obvious. Dinner came to a close, everyone satiated by the savory meal. More wine was served, and everyone started to roam around to the living room. Jaza approached Otto standing next to the fireplace slowly on her crutch. It seemed that her left knee was blown out from some sort of accident.

“Enjoying the evening?”

Otto looked at her slyly. “The food was extravagant”.

Jaza nodded. “Compliments to our chef Carlos. He hardly ever leaves the kitchen. The man is a craftsman.”

Otto turned himself to the others. All three of the men were entertaining Lexi who sat on the couch with her feet tucked under her. Shepard sat next to her like a guard dog on watch. Otto nodded in their direction. “I don’t understand their relationship. Are they even a couple?”

Jaza turned to look and smiled to herself, “Well obviously they have been intimate.”

Otto snorted. “That’s an understatement. He’s supposed to be guiding her on her spiritual path.”

Now it was Jaza’s turn to start laughing. “Oh, I wasn’t talking about Shepard. The boy is a fool.”

“He’s obviously in love with her.”

“He’s young. And a fool.” She said again looking up at Otto. “Come with me. I would like to show you my book collection.”

Jaza led Otto upstairs slowly to her private library where she told Otto to close the door behind him. There were books everywhere. So many books that some were neatly stacked on the floor and in between the couches and chairs throughout the room. All were portals that called to a specific reader looking for knowledge. For a book enthusiast it was a resort.

Otto admired her collection. “It’s quite impressive. We need to construct an archive at The Den. All the books throughout my travels are in my office. I thought I had an impressive collection.”

“I thought you would enjoy it. Shepard tells me you are a spiritual walker.” She walked stiffly to the closest chair and settled herself holding her cane out in front of her like a queen ready to pass judgement. Otto walked slowly looking at the variety of books.

“It’s my life’s purpose,” he agreed “I always questioned the world and everything in it. Walking the spiritual path has given me the answers to this life. In a higher conscious state, I can help others which leads to the purpose of this life.”

“And what is the purpose of life?”

“To find peace in the midst of chaos.”

Jaza nodded thoughtfully, “So you believe that a higher state of mind is the meaning to all life.”

Otto continued walking around and glanced in her direction making hand gestures. “How could it not. A higher state leads to humans making healthier choices. Ethical business decisions not only for the people around you but the environment as well. Love will be chosen over lust.”

The final statement of his beliefs seemed to make Jaza brighten slightly. “And when is the last time you’ve been in love?”

Otto paused for a moment. “With a woman?”

Jaza rolled her eyes. “No, with a sheep. Yes, a woman… unless you prefer…”

“No. No.” Otto waved her off irritably. “There’s nothing wrong with that but no,” he said firmly.

“Why don’t you grab the scotch by the mini bar over there and bring two glasses.” Otto did as she asked only to find her standing upon his return. He noticed it then, the large glass pedestal that Jaza stalked toward. He took a sniff of the scotch before pouring the liquid into her glass in her outstretched hand. Otto followed her gaze. “You know Shepard really speaks highly of you Otto.”

“Shepard is over here often?”

She smiled widely, “Oh yes. I’m afraid our girl has her hooks in him deep.”

The statement gave Otto encouragement to speak his mind. “Okay, about Lexi. What is her deal? Who is she? Why is she truly interested in my holy establishment and Shepard?”

Jaza drained her glass before answering. She pointed to the glass pedestal and the ancient looking scroll it contained. She eyed him as he glanced at the text written beautifully on the scroll. “Read” she commanded him.

Otto took a sip as Jaza looked at him, her eyes alit with the fire of anticipation. Before he even started to read, he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand.

And so, tribes looked at the night sky. The red planet stood as high as the moon. Nomads looked up in wonderment and fear for the sky had turned blood red. On the eleventh hour the tides became chaotic. The animals of the land and sea craved flesh and blood making music of horror. Wind carried fear on its shoulders. The moons of the red planet hovered. Men watched the nature of beasts and learned to savor battle. Savagery led to stealing and killing of their neighbors. Women took council not with their husbands but a higher frequency of patterns in their slumber, little by little teaching the mystics of the flesh to control men, bending their mind to unholy desires. The old ways were forgotten as men grew thirsty for women’s milk and honey. Children wept, for they are of pure sight and could see the fog of sin giving them nightly terrors. Among the confusion and horror the eternal ones rose and hierarchies were established. The fallen ones watched, ruled, and manipulated the masses, inhaling their sorrow. Blood flowed like wine. Men knew not their cause of eternal pain beneath the flesh, now addicted to their selfish desires they could no longer control. They grew hollow eyed in despair. Their feet wandered without purpose, no longer nurturing the seed of eternal life. Toxic power became reality. Death not the beginning but the end. Fear continued to grow. The wicked masters of the world constructed time with the constellations and set the weak ones in labor where they would look up in hope to lay down their burdens. Soon men sought not to take council with their wives which furthered their ignorance. The sexes began to drift away from one another. Without communication or understanding hate began to bear fruit. Desires led to anger; for honey no longer satiated the tongues of men. Many took different sides spawning conflict in the wicked ones favor. Daughters would turn to their mothers for dark secrets to bind the ways of men. And men knew not but to suffer out his nature which brought forth the judgement of everlasting suffering. Women’s hearts became made of stone. Unforgiving and relentless. And the night came, dark and cold, descending into everlasting shadow.

Otto turned away from the pedestal, his hand moving from its top where his finger had mindlessly traced the words as he read. “So what? A parable?”

“An ancient lore that very few men ever read,” Jaza said.

“Then why me?”

“Why you? Why my lover Draven? Why the men that came before you like Shepard? Let’s just call it a woman’s grace. At least you have fair warning for the coming plague.”

“The coming plague huh,” Otto repeated thoughtfully “Care to elaborate just a little?”

“Where’s the fun in that? Come let’s go back and observe the others.” She set her glass down atop the pedestal, leaning on her cane as she began to head for the stairs. Otto held out a hand to her, never missing a beat to be a gentleman. “And I will show you just what I mean.”

The two of them made their way to the living room. Lexi and Zella were dancing to the vinyl, erotically close, while Moros poured wine and watched the two of them with a mild hunger on his face. Shepard sat at the end of the couch, looking dead drunk.

“Aww, seems like our boy Shepard is knowing after all.” Jaza said taking in the scene.

“En vino veritas,” Otto said taking in the scene, “In wine there is truth.” Jaza looked up at him, a sly smirk playing with the corners of her mouth as she put most of her weight on the left side of her cane.

“I see there is truth to the words you say.”

“Which ones?” Otto frowned as Shepard threw a dark look at Zella before getting up to the kitchen to grab another bottle, not that he needed it. Jaza turned her attention back to Lexi and Zella. He spun her pulling her seductively close before dipping her. Lexi’s face was covered in sinister passion. Not even attempting to deny desire. When the song ended, Zella kissed her hand. Sensing Jaza and Otto watching, they straightened and smiled in their direction.

“The introverts have returned to us.”

“You mean the educated.” Jaza returned fire.

“My dear is dancing not education of the body? The testing of chemistry?”

“It is education for somebody, I’m sure.”

“The boy most likely” Moros laughed under his breath with a sneer.

“Oh, come off it Jaza.” Shepard said returning from retrieving the bottle, a large glass of burgundy already seated in his outstretched palm as he settled back into the couch. Shepard turned his head in Moros direction. “Who you calling boy?” Shepard looked like he was ready to go.

Moros absorbed the energy. “Otto. You better come get your boy. Draven will be here any minute.” He turned to face Shepard with his forearms on his knees. “Jaza, better explain how your man detests violence in his home.”

Otto hurried to Shepard’s side convincing him that they should take their leave. Lexi showed them out with Zella trailing behind her. Shepard tried to get alone time with her to say goodbye properly, but she rebuffed him. Moros could be seen pulling off his shirt to make himself more comfortable as the door closed leaving Otto and Shepard outside in the dark. Lexi’s laughter danced from the other side of the door.

Days went by and the weekly communion surfaced again at The Den. People were filling in to make themselves comfortable for spiritual awareness. Today was the day Otto would give a brief sermon; a message of healing that would place people in good spirits for their inner journey.

The candles were lit, and shadows danced on the walls. Otto waited for the right moment to begin until Lexi caught his eye. She wasn’t alone. Shepard was sitting in front of her rubbing her feet but another woman was sitting on Lexi’s left whispering in her ear. Both women had their eyes fixed on Otto.

Who was this mysterious woman? She who made Otto’s heartbeat faster. He took in her body and the tattoos around her ankles. Her blond hair. What really took hold of him were her eyes and behind those eyes lurked some dark ancient mystery. The two women smiled wicked smiles at each other then at Otto. Shepard continued to hold his head down, defeated, as he continued to rub.

Otto’s thoughts of the sermon left him entirely. When it became clear there were no words of enlightenment the basket began being passed around, the percussions started to play. Otto stared for a minute longer before he felt the summons. He no longer had control of his body. He tried to breathe slowly and deeply as his desire burned and the fear remained.

He approached carefully, kneeling before the women. He opened his mouth to speak but instead Otto felt a finger with a tab being placed on his tongue. There was no escape. As the colors began to whorl and the world fell out from under his feet he tried to hold his resolve. The women just grinned at him before he saw blackness.

The world was in flashes of color. In one instant he was looking at Lexi and the blonde’s laughing faces, the next their tongues intertwined in a serpentine embrace. His world faded in and out. Images danced before his eyes. He was on his back, ecstasy filling him in ways only a woman could give. He opened his eyes, the blonde atop him riding him like a stallion, perfect breasts lobbed in all the right directions. He blinked. Lexi rode him, the face of her and the blonde interchanging, mingling in ways of a dream. Otto swore he saw her, Lexi, whoever it was, smile down at him in their shared bliss, their teeth turning to sharpened fangs as they approached the edge together. Otto was trying to grasp situation, this had to be a dream, it could not be real. “What is this? What did you do to me?” Otto asked, desperation in his voice. The woman laughed as Otto asked again “What is this?”

The blonde spoke for the first time. “Hell.”