A Two Party System

On a lonely hill stood the great city of Abbernacky, Its tall stone walls gazing down over the vast fields of green that surrounded them. In the center of Abbernacky was a monolithic tower, the chamber of parliament. Here the House of Lords and the House of Wizards would debate endlessly over the many laws and by-laws that governed the city. The Tower of Parliament also served as a clock tower. It stood omniscient, a watch by which all citizens could keep perfect time.

On a much smaller hill, some distance from the city walls, stood two small figures. Just specks of gray, barely visible in the shadow of the great city. Of these two, the slightly larger speck was a boy, or a man, depending on ones perception of such things. He was pale and ordinary, his long dark hair tossed haphazardly in the twisting gales. He wore the beige robes of a wizard’s apprentice. In his hands he carried a large wooden staff, one he thrashed about vigorously, in an attempt to better illustrate his explication.

“I’m just not certain, June,” The boy spoke with a voice that cracked and squeaked as youth and adulthood waged a war for control of his body.

“There are only two choices, Evrin. I know what I would choose, if I were allowed, that is.” The second, slightly smaller speck, a girl, responded.

“Things this complicated, they shouldn’t be ripped into two categories. I feel like--I feel trapped.” Evrin slumped down into the tall grass, dropping his staff beside him, deflated.

June lowered her small frame, crouching daintily beside the young apprentice.

“You should speak to Father Kallous, I’m sure he went through exactly the same thing at your age. I can understand your anxiety. At least you’re given a choice, Evrin. I’m just the daughter of a shepherd, nothing more…” Her voice quivered slightly as she lowered her auburn shrouded head. She too now sat, her shoulders slumped, deflated.

Evrin studied his companion. Her flowing brown hair dancing in tiny tendrils about her well tanned face. Her dark, pensive eyes, filled with some indeterminate sadness.

“June,” He whispered, as he gently pulled a strand of twisting hair from her face.

She gazed up at him, her eyes wet with tears she tried desperately to restrain. Evrin stood, grasping his staff. He raised his arms and closed his eyes, letting the gentle breeze flow soothingly about his body.

“Tetrum Floriamus!” Evrin spoke the incantation as his staff struck the grassy hillside. In an eruption of life, thousands of wild flowers exploded across the hillside. The crawling fingers of flowers rippled out in a large circle, engulfing them with a vibrant canvas of color.

“Evrin!” June leaped up, her smile revealing teeth that dazzled brilliantly against her bronze colored skin.

The wizard’s apprentice stooped and delicately plucked a single white flower. He handed it to June, whose smile only broadened.

“You’re right, June. I’ll speak with Father Kallous, I’m sure he can help with my decision.”

The tiny chamber was shrouded almost entirely in darkness. The only light flickered feebly from an oil lamp upon Father Kallous’s cluttered desk. The small perimeter of light showed glimpses of a circular room, each wall covered completely by bookcases.

A quiet knock from the door broke the soft scribbling of Father Kallous.

“Enter.” A raspy voice issued forth from the old man who sat hunched behind the desk littered with papers.

“Father Kallous?” Evrin slid his dark head into the doorway, his reticence forcing him to linger upon the threshold.

“Ah, my boy, my Apprentice. Though not for long I should think!” The ancient wizard chortled as he motioned for the boy to enter. “And to what do I owe this pleasure. I’d have thought that you would be busy studying the tomes.”

“Well, Father, that’s why I’m here. I’ve been, well, confused lately. I feel torn. I can’t decide which party I should join.” Evrin had entered now, and sat upon a small wooden stool opposite his master.

The old wizard’s expression was impossible for Evrin to discern. Even in full light, the old man’s face was obscured almost entirely by flowing white beard and cascading hair. In this darkness, he appeared no more than a small white lump.

“I had always hoped, foolishly maybe, that you would some day take my seat in Parliament. Of course, as a Republian. However, I always told myself I would allow you to decide, I hold by that now.” The old man leaned back in his creaking chair.

“I am honored, Father, It’s just, the more I study my options, the less I understand. The issues that we debate, they seem…” Evrin paused, hoping to phrase his words in a manner that would not offend his beloved master. “Well, for instance, the City banners. The Republian’s wish them all red, whereas the Demorian’s desire them to be blue. I just don’t see how it matters, Father. I feel like the issues we debate are pointless, trite, insubstantial.”

“My boy, we all may feel this way at first. But you must understand those banners aren’t the only thing our great legislative body debates. Wars, my boy, government programs, foreign relations, all of these things are important issues. All of which we work toward improving. Here, let me give you this. It is the docket released by the Republians and Demorians, it highlights their party differences. It may be beneficial to you.” The old wizard fished about inside his dark desk before producing a folded piece of parchment.

“Thank you,” was all that young Evrin could say.

“And if you’re still having trouble, you should speak with Lord Portizon. He is always willing to lend guidance to young gentlemen who are confused about these things.” With a gentle wave of his hand, Father Kallous dismissed his apprentice.

It was late, and the large Library of Parliament was deserted. Evrin marched alone through the venerable halls, his footfalls echoing down the vast aisles. He found his usual table near the rear of the common area. He placed his books about him, and opened the docket. As the Apprentice studied the parchment, he found no solace. As he scanned the document, his prior inclinations seemed reaffirmed.

On the issue of City Banners:

The Republians believe that Red is the most fitting color, it insinuates bravery and power.

The Demorians believe that blue is the best choice, as it indicates boldness and strength.

On the issue of Marriage Customs:

The Republians believe that the anthem should be played prior to the first dance.

The Demorians believe the anthem should be played just after the first dance.

On the issue of Sanitation:

The Republians believe that waste should be collected every third Thursday.

The Demorians believe that waste should be collected every second Wednesday.

Evrin could hardly bear to continue. It was obvious to the boy that none of these issues were of substance, and of the ones that were, the differing of policy seemed inconsequential. Flustered, the boy skipped ahead. He continued down the document until he came to the small print nestled near the bottom. Here the docket highlighted what Evrin thought to be the most important issues.

On the issue of the Goblin Wars:

The Republians and Demorians both agree that the uncivilized peoples need to be cultured and domesticated. They believe that it is the best course to continue to uproot any resistance. By doing so, the two parties hope to create another parliamentary society, and a strong ally for the future. This will be accomplished by a continual influx of soldiers, led by General Adarat.

Evrin swallowed hard. He stared blankly at the page before him. The Goblin Wars had been waged since before he was born. He knew much about the strife, the massive loss of life, the incredible burden to the taxpaying citizens. He found it hard to believe that no one would wish to bring an end to the skirmish. His morale leaking further through growing cracks, he read on:

On the issue of Women’s Rights:

It is the view of both parties that women, as a matter of protection, shall not be allowed entry into the halls of Parliament. In addition, they shall not be allowed to practice in any form of magic, wizardry, or witchcraft. The Republians and Demorians both feel that women should remain firmly in their roles of subservience to men.

Evrin sighed as he thought of June. She was one of the brightest people he knew, woman or otherwise. He could imagine that her policies would indeed be far superior to what he was reading. He forced himself onward:

On the issue of the Great Plague:

The Republians and Demorians both agree that this illness is of little concern. Thus far it has been relegated to the far reaches of the country, therefore it poses little threat.

Evrin was stunned. Not two years prior he and Father Kallous had visited the land of Borikal. The place had been decimated by the disease, which had spread quickly through the impoverished peoples, devouring its way up the social ladder, until nothing but a shell of the nation remained. This had been the last mission to assist plague infected nations. This decree had come down from both parties.

Evrin stopped reading, for he could take no more. He collected his books and left the library. Tomorrow he would seek council with Lord Portizon. If there was one individual in the entirety of Abbernacky who could help him see the truth, it would be Portizon.

Evrin briskly climbed the massive marble staircase that ascended to the doors of Parliament. He was both anxious and afraid in equal measure. He had seen Lord Portizon from a distance, but had never spoken to him. The Lord was speaker of Parliament, and the Prime Minister of Abbernacky, and had been for some ninety years.

He entered through the ornate, gilded doors that led inside the Tower of Parliament. Crossing the white marble floor, he slunk into the lower levels of the Parliament Rotunda. Evrin had been here before, but each time he entered he was struck with awe. The chamber was tall, it rose many stories upward. The lowest level of the Rotunda was filled with seating for commoners. Above this were scores of massive gears and cogs, each oscillating slowly. These gears not only served to power the enormous clock that sat upon the top of the tower, they also provided the seats for the members of Parliament. As the giant cogs rotated, so too did the many members of the House of Lords and the House of Wizards. The tower had been meticulously crafted, and as a result, each member would rotate, but never be obscured from his peers.

Evrin smiled brightly in the wake of the tower’s grandeur. If a society could construct something so beautiful, there was hope, he thought. Evrin’s smile faded as the largest of the cogs, a brilliant, shimmering platform rotated into view. Upon the grand gear stood Lord Portizon. In Parliament, Portizon was said to be both an eagle and a snake, a hammer and a knife. He would petition for justice with one hand, while plotting for political gain with the other. He was revered, admired, even feared.

From the floor, it was difficult for Evrin to see him clearly, though he could tell by the man’s posture he was greatness incarnate. His voice boomed out with the clarity of the tower bell. It careened and soothed as it slithered artfully through the chamber. After several more moments of debate, Parliament was adjourned for a recess. A tall man in the blue robes of the Demorians motioned for Evrin to follow him.

They marched to the back of the floor. They eventually came to a door that led to a long and winding stair.

“Lord Portizon’s chamber is at the top of this flight.” The man turned, leaving Evrin alone. The boy climbed hesitantly, excitement and fear once again permeating his mood.

Eventually he reached the top of the winding stair. The door stood ajar, its white marble surface glistening in the jets of light that streamed through slit windows. Inside the office was a glorious sight. The Lord’s chamber was positioned behind the clock face of the tower. The furnishings and architecture seemed to be in perfect harmony with the inner workings of the clock, much as the Parliament Rotunda was.

As the boy glanced about the office, he was startled by the unlatching of a door. He spun quickly to see Lord Portizon, standing regally in front of his desk.

“Ah, you must be--” glancing down at a note upon his desk, “Young Evrin, Father Kallous’s apprentice. It is a pleasure.” Portizon’s voice flowed almost musically from his wizened lips.

The ancient man was thin and weathered. His frame appeared slight, though it was mostly obscured by a flowing black cloak that enveloped his body. He had the appearance of a vulture, his head was gaunt, protruding from his sagging neck. His pale, wrinkled cranium was adorned by desperately receding hair. He smiled, revealing thinning teeth. His dark lips were stained a putrid shade of mauve by ages of wine and mead.

“Now my young sir, what may I do for you?” Portizon motioned for the boy to sit.

Evrin thought it best to be direct, as he was sure the Lord was very busy.

“Sir, your Lordship, I have been confused as of late.” Evrin’s voice cracked.

“Oh, then perhaps I can clarify?” He seemed kind, like a grandfather.

“I hope so, my Lord. You see, I have been studying the parties, as several days from now I must make my decision. “

“Yes, an important time for any young politician. I can understand why you may be confused, the parties are very different. Both very admirable of course, but each with their own set of ideals.” His smile seemed to be paining the old man greatly, as its edges seemed to twitch from the effort.

“That’s just it, my Lord, they just seem the same to me. I’ve searched the docket again and again. It’s just that each issue that is truly meaningful, truly important to the citizens of Abbernacky, both parties are in utter agreement.” Evrin seemed to be emboldened by the clear articulation of his concerns. He fully expected the great man to have a perfectly reasonable explanation for this.

Lord Portizon’s smile faded, then quickly transformed into a hideous frown.

“I see. I should have known. It has been some years since anyone has broken free. Yes, perfectly ordinary, perfectly manageable.” Lord Portizon spoke more to himself than the boy, uttering careful words of reassurance.

“My Lord?” Evrin questioned.

“Yes, you are correct, child. I have not won re-election for ninety years through simple political maneuvering. I am a great wizard, perhaps the greatest to ever live. Every so often, one such as yourself will come along, whom my spell does not effect.” Portizon stood and turned to gaze out behind his desk, through the vast face of the tower clock. “Blindness my boy, blind to those things that truly matter. You however, have great potential. Only one of true power could resist my spell.”

“But, my Lord, I’m confused,” Evrin stuttered.

“You have a choice. But only one. You may decide to join one of the parties, and work closely with me here, in Parliament. Perhaps even one day rise to fill my place once I relinquish my post. But for this choice, you must learn to forget what you have seen as plainly as the eye may see the sun.”

“I--” Evrin was at a loss for words, his throat was choked as if by a mouthful of sand.

“Do not speak. Listen carefully, for this ultimatum will not be granted a second time. I shall give you until this time tomorrow. You shall meet me upon the steps of Parliament with your decision. Now, go. Our recess is nearly at its end.” With these final words Evrin found himself descending the winding flight of stairs.

When he finally reached the floor of Parliament, his mind was reeling. He was confused, conflicted, frightened.

“I don’t know what to do, June.” The grassy fields were cast in a thousand shades of orange in the light of the setting sun.

“It’s obvious, Evrin. Sometimes we must accept our fate. Sometimes, things are beyond our control.” As she spoke, June’s dark eyes stared out at the flock of sheep she was presently herding back toward the corral. Her voice was filled with regret, though her words rang true.

“Perhaps you’re right. But don’t we have a right to know? Doesn’t everyone deserve to understand we are being manipulated?”

“Of course, but how you go about doing it could alter history. What if you used the system, Evrin? What if you take Portizon up on his offer and learn from him. You could use your station for good, to help change things.” June spoke from experience. For her life was in waging the small battles, the ones that she hoped would brighten her future but a fraction.

“It would mean sacrificing everything I believe strongly in. It would mean falling under his spell,” Evrin said.

“What about the people who care about you? What will happen if you go against Portizon? Do you really think a child can stand up to the Lord of Parliament?” As soon as the words had left her lips, June wished they could return.

“I’m not a child, Portzion said himself I have great potential. I’m sorry you can’t see it.” Evrin turned abruptly from their slow canter across the grassy fields.

“Evrin, wait, I didn’t mean it!” She started after him but he had broken into a run. She could not follow. After all, June had sheep to attend to.

She at least, would not forget her responsibilities. She watched as Evrin vanished into the gathering darkness.

Evrin’s heart raced, banging violently against his ribs. It was nearly time. He stood alone upon the marble stair that led to the gilded doors of Parliament. The sun stood at its crescendo in the noon sky, forcing shadows to retreat. Evrin felt pools of sweat collecting in nearly every area of his body. He swallowed hard.

The doors to Parliament were cast open, the strange silence of the deserted causeway broken by the sharp bang. Portizon began to descend the pristine stair, his black robes flourishing about behind him. Evrin kept his stare fixed upon the cold gray eyes of the old wizard. After several moments, the two stood but a handful of paces apart.

“Young Evrin. Tell me, what is your decision?” Wasting no time, Portizon’s voice was cold and precise.

“I--I--” Evrin began slowly, then he thought of June, and his resolve was restored. “I shall not join a party. I shall not become another slave to this corrupted system.”

A long pause, Portizon’s eyes narrowed and his lips curled into a malignant frown. “Very well.”

With these final words Lord Portzion snapped his weathered fingers. A bolt of searing white lightening tore through the clear, noonday sky. It flashed to the earth with blinding heat. When the crack of echoing thunder subsided, all that remained of Evrin, the young wizard's apprentice, was a neat little pile of white ashes. 

June stood alone atop the artificially flowered hillside. In one hand she held a white flower, in the other, a silver receptacle filled with the remains of her friend. After a long spell of hesitation, she removed the lid and tossed the ashes she had so painstakingly collected into a whistling gale. She watched as they were carried off to the far reaches of the emerald fields. She looked down at the circle of wild flowers, and she wondered how long they would remain, before being swallowed by the sea of grass. Her eyes glazed over with tears she failed to restrain. Then, turning away, she walked back towards her flock. After all, she would not ignore her responsibilities.