In the time before the War of
Knowledge, the Selectors established their vast civilization apart from the
Collaboration and their insistence on public possession of knowledge. Varied
and mysterious, the citizens shared with only those they deemed worthy, withholding
all else. Among the Elite, the most secrets were known, though access to this
fount dropped rapidly as ranks descended.
The average among them knew only
his or her business. The secrets of true power, devastating power, were closely
guarded for the sake of peace. The secrets of person, likewise kept, for the
sake of dignity. For most, this was enough. They were content to live their
lives as they came, sharing what they chose, when they chose. They harbored no
regret nor hard feelings for the things not shared, for a person’s knowledge,
precious though it was, had to them always existed as a sacred thing because of
such intimacy.
However, others among the Selection questioned the limits of such complacency. While they certainly agreed upon the keeping of secrets, there were disagreements about which knowledge should be made more available- and how it should be used. The personal, the intimate- these were for the people, to keep to themselves and perhaps their families, if deemed appropriate. As for other secrets, well, they imagined that such should be wielded by all for the good of the state, to protect themselves should the need arise.
Chief among those who sought this were individuals who had already conceded their personal stores of information to the Collaborators before the separation and the following truce. Feeling embittered from their losses, these individuals harbored hostility. They desired vengeance, the ability to strike at the Collaboration and take back what had been unjustly shared, ideals hidden behind the simple, reasonable desire to protect themselves from any further incursion brought on by the Collaborators. Given their sacrifices, they simply could not bring themselves to trust the Collaborators.
At the time of this unrest, the Selector society was led by the twins Pelomect, Cagneidu and Oddriser- powerful nobles whom had been prominent even before the splitting of the communities. Pelomect Cagneidu looked upon the discontent with a sympathetic, though perhaps uncompromising eye. While he understood the pain they suffered, for he had lost some of his more precious secrets, he believed that the only way to maintain peace was to bear such indignities in favor of preventing more. Pelomect Oddriser likewise sympathized with the more restless individuals, though to a degree even greater than that of his brother. He disagreed with the notion of accepting their losses as a necessary evil, and while he believed in peace, he also believed in justice. He tried, without success, to bring his brother to his point of view, but Cagneidu remained steadfast on the idea of letting the past remain in the past, and making the best of the future through careful planning and instruction of society.
Because of the convictions he could not relinquish, Oddriser took it upon himself to lead a party of likeminded individuals into negotiating with the Collaboration. While some animosity lingered, he did this not as an attempt to steal or cause strife, as Selectors had done in the past, but only in order to secure what had originally belonged to himself and his people. More than anything, Cagneidu was wary of his brother’s intentions, as he wanted to avoid a repeat of the past atrocities above all else.
However, others among the Selection questioned the limits of such complacency. While they certainly agreed upon the keeping of secrets, there were disagreements about which knowledge should be made more available- and how it should be used. The personal, the intimate- these were for the people, to keep to themselves and perhaps their families, if deemed appropriate. As for other secrets, well, they imagined that such should be wielded by all for the good of the state, to protect themselves should the need arise.
Chief among those who sought this were individuals who had already conceded their personal stores of information to the Collaborators before the separation and the following truce. Feeling embittered from their losses, these individuals harbored hostility. They desired vengeance, the ability to strike at the Collaboration and take back what had been unjustly shared, ideals hidden behind the simple, reasonable desire to protect themselves from any further incursion brought on by the Collaborators. Given their sacrifices, they simply could not bring themselves to trust the Collaborators.
At the time of this unrest, the Selector society was led by the twins Pelomect, Cagneidu and Oddriser- powerful nobles whom had been prominent even before the splitting of the communities. Pelomect Cagneidu looked upon the discontent with a sympathetic, though perhaps uncompromising eye. While he understood the pain they suffered, for he had lost some of his more precious secrets, he believed that the only way to maintain peace was to bear such indignities in favor of preventing more. Pelomect Oddriser likewise sympathized with the more restless individuals, though to a degree even greater than that of his brother. He disagreed with the notion of accepting their losses as a necessary evil, and while he believed in peace, he also believed in justice. He tried, without success, to bring his brother to his point of view, but Cagneidu remained steadfast on the idea of letting the past remain in the past, and making the best of the future through careful planning and instruction of society.
Because of the convictions he could not relinquish, Oddriser took it upon himself to lead a party of likeminded individuals into negotiating with the Collaboration. While some animosity lingered, he did this not as an attempt to steal or cause strife, as Selectors had done in the past, but only in order to secure what had originally belonged to himself and his people. More than anything, Cagneidu was wary of his brother’s intentions, as he wanted to avoid a repeat of the past atrocities above all else.
**
The day was unusually hot, and
Cagneidu knew from experience that it would make the people restless. He himself felt a desire to pace, simultaneous
with the desire to do nothing at all on account of the heat. The open windows
allowed a sluggish breeze through that didn’t quite cool, but it was better
than nothing. Something outside caught his attention; he rose and peered out
the window to see a small gathering of men grouped in a rough semicircle. He
recognized a few of those who had assembled, most prominent of all the one who
held their attention.
“Oddriser.”
Palomect Oddriser turned to regard his brother leaning out of the window. “Cagneidu.” He turned back to his men.
“Brother,” Cagneidu continued. “Come inside.”
Oddriser glanced back to Cagneidu. “Can’t it wait, brother?”
“I only need a moment of your time.”
Oddriser gave his men a curt nod, then hurried around the building to the front door. Cagneidu met him in the entry hall.
“Oddriser.”
Palomect Oddriser turned to regard his brother leaning out of the window. “Cagneidu.” He turned back to his men.
“Brother,” Cagneidu continued. “Come inside.”
Oddriser glanced back to Cagneidu. “Can’t it wait, brother?”
“I only need a moment of your time.”
Oddriser gave his men a curt nod, then hurried around the building to the front door. Cagneidu met him in the entry hall.
“Brother. What is it that you intend to do?”
“We are going to the First Library to reclaim our stories. Shall I collect yours as well?”
Cagneidu thought for a moment. “No. Brother, why can you not leave the Collaboration be? We have achieved the society that we sought.”
“Have we?” Oddriser challenged. “We skulk on the outskirts, and they still hold our secrets. Things that rightfully belong to us. Things they have no business, nor need, knowing.”
“I understand your frustration,” Cagneidu replied. “But the last thing anyone needs is another open conflict. Think of the last time Selectors took it upon themselves to take engage the Collaboration. Do you believe that they will not retaliate should you strike them?”
“I expect they would, dear brother.”
“Then you can see that what you propose is not wise.”
“I am not proposing that we strike them. No, what I propose is the recollection of our stories, brother. That is where the self- professed ‘true’ Selectors failed. Their greed cost them –cost us- everything. All I seek is reclamation, brother. Only the information that they stole from us in the first place. They should not begrudge us that.”
“And what of their information? Their secrets?”
“What about them? Such things belong to them, and it would be poor of me to take them.”
“We agree.”
“Yes, brother. Their secrets remain theirs. Our secrets return to us. Everyone can then live as they see fit. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
Cagneidu thought for a moment, carefully reading his brother’s expression. “Wait a moment, Oddriser. I must ready some things.”
“Will you be joining us then?”
“No. Someone must stay here and mind our people. I entrust this task of retrieval to you and your cohorts.”
“Then…?”
“I am going to send a messenger ahead to the Collaboration.”
“What?!” Oddriser quickly composed himself. “Rather, what purpose would that serve?”
“If you intend only what you have told me, what difference does it make?”
“I would not lie to you, brother. I just fear that such an errand is wasted.”
“On the contrary. Such an errand would actually benefit both parties, and uphold the peace that you and I have sought.”
“Explain.”
“I will tell the Collaboration that you are coming in peace. This will absolve them of their fears and ensure you and your party are not met with violence.”
Oddriser nodded carefully. “You plan well, brother. I shall let my followers know.” He turned to leave.
Cagneidu lifted a hand. “I will also inform them that your intent is simply what belongs to you, and advise them that you will be bringing a ledger with the listed pieces of information.”
“A ledger?!”
“This ensures that they do not fail to acquire every item you seek, and surrender it to you. It also would prevent errors if someone should say, ask for information that did not originate from among our Selector brethren.” Cagneidu smiled. “If we are focused on but recouping our own losses, then such trivial details only serve to smooth the process and prevent misunderstandings of any sort.”
“You are correct as always, brother.” Oddriser dipped his head some. “Send your messenger, and I shall personally see to that an accurate ledger is drawn up before we proceed.”
Cagneidu nodded in return. “Thank you for your understanding.”
“Your trust is not misplaced.”
“We are going to the First Library to reclaim our stories. Shall I collect yours as well?”
Cagneidu thought for a moment. “No. Brother, why can you not leave the Collaboration be? We have achieved the society that we sought.”
“Have we?” Oddriser challenged. “We skulk on the outskirts, and they still hold our secrets. Things that rightfully belong to us. Things they have no business, nor need, knowing.”
“I understand your frustration,” Cagneidu replied. “But the last thing anyone needs is another open conflict. Think of the last time Selectors took it upon themselves to take engage the Collaboration. Do you believe that they will not retaliate should you strike them?”
“I expect they would, dear brother.”
“Then you can see that what you propose is not wise.”
“I am not proposing that we strike them. No, what I propose is the recollection of our stories, brother. That is where the self- professed ‘true’ Selectors failed. Their greed cost them –cost us- everything. All I seek is reclamation, brother. Only the information that they stole from us in the first place. They should not begrudge us that.”
“And what of their information? Their secrets?”
“What about them? Such things belong to them, and it would be poor of me to take them.”
“We agree.”
“Yes, brother. Their secrets remain theirs. Our secrets return to us. Everyone can then live as they see fit. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
Cagneidu thought for a moment, carefully reading his brother’s expression. “Wait a moment, Oddriser. I must ready some things.”
“Will you be joining us then?”
“No. Someone must stay here and mind our people. I entrust this task of retrieval to you and your cohorts.”
“Then…?”
“I am going to send a messenger ahead to the Collaboration.”
“What?!” Oddriser quickly composed himself. “Rather, what purpose would that serve?”
“If you intend only what you have told me, what difference does it make?”
“I would not lie to you, brother. I just fear that such an errand is wasted.”
“On the contrary. Such an errand would actually benefit both parties, and uphold the peace that you and I have sought.”
“Explain.”
“I will tell the Collaboration that you are coming in peace. This will absolve them of their fears and ensure you and your party are not met with violence.”
Oddriser nodded carefully. “You plan well, brother. I shall let my followers know.” He turned to leave.
Cagneidu lifted a hand. “I will also inform them that your intent is simply what belongs to you, and advise them that you will be bringing a ledger with the listed pieces of information.”
“A ledger?!”
“This ensures that they do not fail to acquire every item you seek, and surrender it to you. It also would prevent errors if someone should say, ask for information that did not originate from among our Selector brethren.” Cagneidu smiled. “If we are focused on but recouping our own losses, then such trivial details only serve to smooth the process and prevent misunderstandings of any sort.”
“You are correct as always, brother.” Oddriser dipped his head some. “Send your messenger, and I shall personally see to that an accurate ledger is drawn up before we proceed.”
Cagneidu nodded in return. “Thank you for your understanding.”
“Your trust is not misplaced.”
***
Once
Oddriser and his band had left, Cagneidu returned to his room, shut the door to
his chamber and drew closed the curtains as well. He waited for several
heartbeats, then finally pulled open a drawer and retrieved a small stone
tablet.
“Counsel,” he whispered. Nothing happened. Then, he heard a faint scuffing, before a quiet voice came in reply.
“Cagneidu. Is something wrong?”
“Are you alone?”
“Yes, friend. What’s the matter?”
“Nothing yet. However, my brother and I spoke about his visiting the Collaboration.”
“Oddriser has no love for us.”
“Nor do the Collaborators have any for him.”
“What does he want?”
“He seeks to retrieve the information wrested from our people.”
“I see why you’ve contacted me then. I shall alert the guard-”
“No. That will only make things worse.”
“What would you suggest then? The people are not likely to sit by as he strolls into the city, much less the First Library.”
“I would ask that you meet his requests, and peaceably so.”
“I do not know if the High Collaborators will agree to that.”
“I am hoping that they will realize Oddriser’s good intentions and respect his request. Merely a compromise to soothe those who have suffered unjustly.
“I will see what I can do,” Counsel replied.
“I expect my brother and his party will arrive in a day’s time,” Cagneidu said. “I will alert you as to when they leave, and what they seek, so that you and the Collaboration may be ready.”
“Of course, Cagneidu,” Counsel replied. “I appreciate your forthcoming with such a delicate matter.”
“Oddriser means well,” Cagneidu told him. “I know he does. But he is also angry.”
“Rightfully so, I’m afraid,” Counsel agreed. “But you and I both know that this peace is rather fragile. I don’t want to see anyone get hurt.”
“We agree.”
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that your brother and his comrades are met peacefully, and the information they seek is provided. I will also attempt to secure lodging, should they wish to stay for a day or two following their journey.”
“Your hospitality does not go unappreciated, friend.”
“One more thing, Cagneidu. Does Oddriser know of this?”
“I have spoken to Oddriser and told him I would contact the Collaboration on his behalf. He understands that I seek only to mediate the transaction to ensure no one comes to harm.”
“And he agreed to your terms?”
“Oddriser and I may not always see eye to eye,” Cagneidu admitted. “But he understands the situation just as much as you or I. A confrontation would not be to his benefit either.”
“Let us hope you are right, my friend.”
“Counsel,” he whispered. Nothing happened. Then, he heard a faint scuffing, before a quiet voice came in reply.
“Cagneidu. Is something wrong?”
“Are you alone?”
“Yes, friend. What’s the matter?”
“Nothing yet. However, my brother and I spoke about his visiting the Collaboration.”
“Oddriser has no love for us.”
“Nor do the Collaborators have any for him.”
“What does he want?”
“He seeks to retrieve the information wrested from our people.”
“I see why you’ve contacted me then. I shall alert the guard-”
“No. That will only make things worse.”
“What would you suggest then? The people are not likely to sit by as he strolls into the city, much less the First Library.”
“I would ask that you meet his requests, and peaceably so.”
“I do not know if the High Collaborators will agree to that.”
“I am hoping that they will realize Oddriser’s good intentions and respect his request. Merely a compromise to soothe those who have suffered unjustly.
“I will see what I can do,” Counsel replied.
“I expect my brother and his party will arrive in a day’s time,” Cagneidu said. “I will alert you as to when they leave, and what they seek, so that you and the Collaboration may be ready.”
“Of course, Cagneidu,” Counsel replied. “I appreciate your forthcoming with such a delicate matter.”
“Oddriser means well,” Cagneidu told him. “I know he does. But he is also angry.”
“Rightfully so, I’m afraid,” Counsel agreed. “But you and I both know that this peace is rather fragile. I don’t want to see anyone get hurt.”
“We agree.”
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that your brother and his comrades are met peacefully, and the information they seek is provided. I will also attempt to secure lodging, should they wish to stay for a day or two following their journey.”
“Your hospitality does not go unappreciated, friend.”
“One more thing, Cagneidu. Does Oddriser know of this?”
“I have spoken to Oddriser and told him I would contact the Collaboration on his behalf. He understands that I seek only to mediate the transaction to ensure no one comes to harm.”
“And he agreed to your terms?”
“Oddriser and I may not always see eye to eye,” Cagneidu admitted. “But he understands the situation just as much as you or I. A confrontation would not be to his benefit either.”
“Let us hope you are right, my friend.”
