False Horizon - Alex Archer [60]
“I come here a lot to be alone with my thoughts,” Guge said. “It is a place of contemplation for me as I imagine it will be for you also.”
“I’d like that,” Tuk said. “I have often thought my life could use a lot more meditation than action.”
“Some people don’t like to think,” Guge said. “If they are not solely preoccupied with action, then they have time to realize the truly infantile aspects of their essence. A brain in constant need of action is no better than a fool’s mind. Only the truly wise and intelligent may devote themselves to inaction from time to time without fear or prejudice.”
Tuk saw that there were lit torches ahead, casting light into the darkened gloom of the temple. The flames danced and bit at the night air, throwing shadows across the walls and paintings with reckless abandon.
“How much farther is it?”
Guge shrugged. “Not very. Are you in a hurry, my son?”
“Not at all. I am tired, however. I fear that I might collapse from exhaustion soon from all the dancing earlier.”
“Your people have missed you. And there was quite some concern as to who would assume the throne when your mother and I pass on. Some of our people suggested that it was time for a new ruler to assume command. But your mother insisted we wait a little longer before making a decision. She is very wise.”
Tuk smiled. “Maybe she knew I was coming home.”
“Perhaps she did.”
Guge led them down yet another corridor and the air grew cooler. Tuk shivered slightly and Guge noticed. “Yes, this is much deeper into the mountain now. And you can feel the temperature shift, can’t you?”
“Yes, it’s much cooler.”
Guge nodded. “So, you see that we are part of the same mountain. But our position makes all the difference.”
“How is that possible?”
“It just is.”
Tuk frowned. “Forgive me father, but that’s not much of an explanation.”
Guge turned around and, for a moment, Tuk thought his father was angered. But the expression faded then and Guge merely smiled. “Do not allow yourself to get caught up in the need to have everything explained to you so completely. Doing so robs the world of its magic.”
“I understand, Father. I merely thought that there would be an explanation that made more sense. You know, from a scientific perspective.”
“Science cannot explain everything, my son. And science should not try to explain everything. For then it becomes a crutch and imagination departs the soul.” Guge shook his head. “It would be truly tragic for the human race if that were to happen.”
“All right.”
They walked down a flight of stairs and then entered a long hallway leading toward another portal. A lone torch flickered on the wall ahead, but Tuk could not see beyond into the absolute darkness of the portal.
Guge stopped. “This is the way you came across.”
“Through there?”
Guge nodded. “It leads to a path that will take you back to the arctic side of the mountain.” He glanced at Tuk’s clothes. “Perhaps now is not the time to try it out and see. You seem a bit underdressed.”
Tuk smiled. “I’d just like to take a look.”
Guge shook his head. “I don’t recommend it, my son. There is little to see over there that you have not already seen. Why go through again? Are you merely attempting to satisfy your own curiosity?”
“I suppose I am.”
Guge sighed. “I am old, my son. This is nothing of consequence. You should be content to know that it exists and that there is a way to get from our kingdom back to the real world. But I don’t think you will be needing it. Unless you don’t intend to stay?”
Tuk shook his head. “I’m not leaving.”
Guge smiled. “Excellent. Then perhaps we can satisfy your curiosity another time? I am getting tired myself.”
Tuk smiled. “Perhaps I could take one quick little peek across? That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?”
“You won’t stop badgering an old man unless he lets you go, will you?”
Tuk smiled. “Probably not.”
Guge sighed again. “Very well. Go ahead. But I am not coming with you. That cold air makes my old bones hurt. And there’s nothing there that I haven’t seen before now. If you want to go, you go