THE VISITOR And the First Elders

 THE VISITOR

And the First Elders

A black House wagon, gilded in solid gold arrived before the Meeting Hall of the township of Elosh, which lay north on the river Luhn. Upon hearing the wagon’s approach an Elder came outside and welcomed the visitors from the city of Mithar.

The driver opened the door letting two men, and a twelve-year-old girl out. One of them asked, “Greetings Brother?”

“Elder Benas, sir.”

“I am Minister Mios, from the Watchtower of Varlendur.” The emissary did not introduce the man alongside him but began heading to go inside the building.

It was then, “Oh, come in brothers, and be refreshed,” Benas gestured toward the Hall where they were already heading. “There are two other Elders who await inside. I had just shared with them the letter from an Overseer Gil`nuso. Forgive us, we anticipated your arrival tomorrow.”

Inside, Brother Benas led them to a back room where two men promptly rose from their seats at a long table. “These are Elder Moldrey and Elder Albadon. These are Brothers from Varlendur – a day early.” After acknowledging and offering seats, Benas took a seat with his two companions, opposite the standing visitors.

A young girl was left unintroduced, but everyone knew her to be a member of the Scribal Sister’s Order for she was baldheaded, and her fingertips were as black as the wagon outside. She immediately took a seat at the head of the table and began writing everything on her tablet. She nodded to an older man caring a heavy chest.

“Thank you Emylah. Again, I am Minister Mios, from the Watchtower of Varlendur. From there a new light, as with all understanding shines out upon the land; an adjustment in doctrine is now being shared. The new adjustment pertains to the order of things. Let it be known that the city of Mithar leads the way in accepting, without question this new light, and Elosh is now the second in our tour of the realm. This is the truth from the Mouthpiece of The One - Eru.”

The three Elders spoke in unison, “Praise the Unspeakable Name.” The others bowed their heads respectfully with the recitation.

The Messenger began, “Let me summarize where we are today and in our continuance of the truth. The Great Purge saw the collection of many original documents, and those found to be inconsistent with copies and mistaken translations by others of those texts we hold dear to be most remarkable. Our histories are the stories of our humility before The One, and those records were bound as the Seven Volumes.” It was then Messenger placed the heavy chest on the table in front of the three seated men. From inside his shirt, Mios removed a silver key on a long chain necklace. After unlocking the iron reinforced chest, he removed a huge tome that was banded and locked, beside it he laid the key to the box. “This is a most prized gift from Varlendur. I present it to you, the people of Elosh: THE BOOK OF THRIYEL, ‘Legacy’ of Eru-Illuvatar.” At the pronunciation of the Holy Name of God, everyone bowed their heads, covering their face with both hands.

The Messenger continued, “This one book is the same material which made up the Seven bound volumes. From them was this one tome created, and trustworthy for its accurate text, and presented for detailed study. There are several exquisitely drawn, laced panels that will make excellent teaching tools for children and persons new to our traditions. No expense was spared, and the most skilled artist and scribes worked on each beautifully illuminated page which too two years to complete. The book must be carefully handled for that reason, and for its message contained therein. Henceforth this ‘Legacy’ is now the only authorized and recognized version of our most Sacred Texts. Here is a letter from King Koral himself acknowledging such, and by his name and seal is his royal endorsement of the wonderfully crafted book. This one volume shall be the sole work, acceptable for sacred worship, by which those who Gather in his Lordship’s Hall may so Study as the sacred text.”

At this point one of the silent Elders, Moldrey spoke up, “Forgive me for asking, Minister Mios, but are we correct in seeing that this tome is banded and locked? Are not the special writings open for reading and discussion by everyone in attendance?”

It was at that moment that Mios turned around and looked back at the tall, unintroduced hooded figure. His face was still concealed in shadow. The hood nodded silently as Mios turned back around to face the three seated men. “Gentlemen, this concludes my obligation of service in presenting the Holy Gift of Varlendur. I now introduce my companion, this is Gil`nuso.”

Even as Miso stepped backward Gil`nuso took his position and removed his hood, showing his face for the first time to be that of a much older man. His white beard was groomed and his tone pleasant, “Greeting Brothers. I am Gil`nuso. I am also the right-hand man of the Lord High Priest Shellenthar. In his stead, when you see me, you see the sole representative of his Lordship’s High Priest himself. I am his direct representative, minister, and messenger. From here on you shall only address me as Lord High Overseer or High Overseer Gil`nuso, Brother is also nice,” he smiled.

It was then that the High Overseer removed from inside his own shirt, and off his neck a key that hung on a very long twisted gold chain. With the key held up, he added, “Here is the only key that will unlock this tome from its band.” After unlocking it they noticed the band was a part of the tome’s cover. Continuing, “Allow me to now clarify the details of this new light adjustment. These are the instructions for reorganizing The Brotherhood of Mithar. Listen well, this is indeed a most auspicious occasion and one that may very well prove to never come again. Only you three men, here in the township of Elosh are being offered the role of continuing to be Elders or you may step down with no reprisal of banishment by shunning. Being held in such high esteem by the Lord High Priest, stepping down now will afford you great standing in the gathering of the brothers of faith. You would be resources of insightful wisdom for those who take over as Elders.” He raised a finger, seeing questions were about to be raised, “From henceforth or until further instructional new light is presented, are the terms of Eldership as the delegated hands of the Lord High Priest himself here in Elosh. There shall only be three Elders at a time in a single gathering. Each Elder is to have one assistant. The assistant of the Elder shall be addressed as Minister of that Elder. Only these Ministers shall be viewed as potential candidates for the Office of Elder. Now, to the Elders. They shall be the same rank in status as no one is above another, yet they alone may preside and teach the gathering in this Meeting Hall.”

At this, the High Overseer Gil`nuso placed another sheet of parchment in front of the three men. A description detailed their duties, and three lines denoting where their signatures were to go. The High Overseer then placed an ink well and a decorative silver blue quill beside the page. He said, “The Elder may only serve in his office for three years and at the end of which will only then be reinstated to continue by myself or my representative. These are the three titles and duties of the offices:

The Key Elder. He alone possesses, wears, and uses the only key which opens this Tome of Elosh, for there are no other keys in all the realm like it. The Key Elder may allow those whom he chooses alone or offered by the two other officers to read from this book. The Tome of Elosh may be read and viewed only in this Hall of Meeting. The Tome may not be withdrawn from the Hall, unless by special permission granted by myself or my representative. Anyone of choice may study this book here in this room for as long as mutually agreed upon. Anyone of choice may be invited to read aloud to the gathering but know now only the three Elders may clarify the doctrine of the texts’ meaning, as approved by Varlendur alone. Is this office of the Key Elder understood?”

The three men agreed they understood what was being read as it was the same from the parchment that sat before them. The Lord High Overseer Gil`nuso continued:

The Scribe Elder is the second office directly appointed by Varlendur. The Elder Scribe shall note when the book is opened and by whom. If any comments were offered by them such shall be noted as well, especially after any clarifications were shared by any of the Elders present.” The High Overseer laid down two leather journals for the office, saying, “Only such notes must be composed in the Scribe’s Journal, provided by Varlendur.”

It was the only time they heard Emylah, the Scribe speak, “These journals are the property of the sisters of the Holy Quill, and as such shall your every word is poured over and discussed at length.”

The High Overseer smiled and continued, “Once a week it shall be the responsibility of the Scribe Elder to send word of those in attendance here in the Hall, for the sole purpose of teaching and worship of The One’s truth. Is this office of the Scribe Elder understood?”

The three men agreed they understood what was being read as it was the same from the parchment that sat before them. The Lord High Overseer Gil`nulso continued:

“The Key Elder is the third office of the Council Body. It shall be the task of the Keeper of THE BOOK OF THRIYEL of Elosh to do just that, keep the book safe. The Tome must be housed in its chest and secured at all times when not being used. Here is the Keeper’s key and its chest as well.”

The Lord High Overseer opened the inkwell, “The term of each office shall be held for a period of one year, in the end, on the anniversary of their signature shall they rotate responsibilities. The Keeper shall become the Scribe and he, in turn, shall assume the duties of the Key Elder, and he, in turn, shall become the Keeper.” He paused, exhaled then said, “Now, comes the hard-pressed time to ask questions as I now request those in this room who would step up and accept these offices as presented and the severe penalty of apostasy.”

Brother Benas asked, “If the book is not to leave the Meeting Hall, is the person responsible for the chest allowed to take it home?”

“Excellent question, they may indeed, brother Benas,” Gil`nuso smiled for his response.

Then Brother Moldrey asked slowly, “There was mention of a severe penalty with emphasis placed on the word ‘apostasy’. I was wondering what the Lord High Overseer’s meaning was specifically regarding this topic?”

Again Gil`nuso smiled for the participation of questions, “Another wonderfully worded inquiry brother Moldrey, most astute! It is in line with our current teaching that the fellowship of the Gathered not be tainted by the false teachings of outsiders. Shunning is held in that light as those who have banished themselves for not conforming to the high callings of Varlendur’s truth. Apostasy is the willful arrogance of turning against The One and Always himself, and thusly decreed by his earthly representative in Varlendur that nothing less than death is held for those who do not turn back to HIM. As I said before, this is indeed a most auspicious occasion and one that may very well prove to never come again. Only you three men are in this room being asked, what say you?” He slid the parchment closer. Of their own free will did they accept the terms of the Eldership of their city. One by one they signed the document, which in turn was quickly taken up by the High Overseer’s Minister, Mios.

“Splendid! King Koral was right indeed to foresee such loyalty here in Elosh. Freely accepted! Wonderful, wonderful, that went very well. Congratulations, and welcome to the Order of the Mitharian Brotherhood, gentlemen. Now for the appointments.

“Brother Benas, you shall be Elosh’s first Keeper Elder.” The Lord High Overseer slide the still closed book over to him, and gave him the silver key, “The sign of your office.” He closed and locked the iron-clad wooden chest and smiled.

“Brother Albadon, you shall be Elosh’s first Scribe Elder.” The Lord High Overseer handed him the silver-tipped blue Quill, “The sign of your office.” Along with the inkwell and two journals.

“Brother Moldrey, you shall be Elosh’s first Key Elder.” The Lord High Overseer handed him the golden Key, “The sign of your office.” The key was the only key in all the realm to open the Tome’s lock.

“Ah, some additional details. To assist you with your new duties you will need to offer up six names as potential candidates to perform the role of Ministerial servants.” Looking directly at Albadon he said, “The Scribe Elder must correspond with Varlendur using only this servant as a messenger. He shall prove to be a most vital link between us. If, at the end of your three-year rotation you desire to step down one of the three may replace you, and the unpicked candidate, if still suitable may be appointed to the new ministerial position.”

Mios cleared his throat. Gil`nuso glanced back at him with a smile, “Yes, yes, thank you, for the reminder Brother Mios. For one month there will be no meetings held here in the Hall. You three may pour over the book’s details for as long and as much as you desire. Remember your scribe, and send any questions that may arise now or from time to time. Be at ease brothers, questions only bring light. From here on feel free to use the new reference marking of this book in your correspondences.

“In four weeks, time a representative of mine shall arrive. He will be ready to publicly announce all that occurred here and make formal appointments. I only ask that you say nothing of this visit’s details as all shall be laid to bear. Remember to send those candidate names, Scribe Elder Albadon.”

Turning to leave, the High Overseer glanced back at the three newly appointed elders, but spoke to his servant, “Mios, be sure to collect the Seven volumes from off the shelf there as these brothers here have a much better copy to learn from. Until next time, we will see ourselves out gentlemen.” With that and no refreshments taken the three of their guests left as they came.

Albadon said as the wagon’s dust began to settle, “I think we just witnessed a great change beginning to happen.”

Benas agreed, “I think we became a part of whether we wanted to or not.”

Moldrey nervously laughed at the other two, “Freely accepted – right brothers?” At that moment each of them instantly knew what tool was to bring about the real change to come; they felt themselves questioning the other’s intentions but said nothing openly of them.

In each of the seven cities of Eriduah this same meeting was carried out and appointments made. On the Day of Appointments, the Guardians over all those within their own appointed cities occur at the same time and on the same day. There was great joy in the unity of the Mitharian Brotherhood in the realm of Eriduah.