Chapter 13: The Emperor’s News
The streets of Middle Shavron were a metropolis of idols and meaningless worship. It seemed that the heavy influence of Iya still loomed steadily in the hearts of many Shavronites; and although the Holy One still had a place in the hearts of the citizens, God did not share worship; for the Shavronites knew that He was a jealous God, because all glory and honor was due to Him for all the wonderful works he performs daily.
Nevertheless as the eight walked Glory, with multitudes following, Kleos would point out a stone statue here and a silver statue there; reminding them that such objects had no eyes to see, no ears to hear, and most of all no heart to care for the ones who bent their knees to them, yet it was the Holy One whose works they had seen in presently and time past that was to be worshipped.
Along the boardwalk of second rate shops, was a particular one that Kleos descried. The shop was wedged in between a carpenter and a tailor‘s shop. The sign at the top of the door was nothing more than an oddly shaped plank of wood with red lettering that said, The Emperor’s News: Open to all who seek the inner self and worldly wisdom.
Kleos started to chuckle after reading the sign.
"What‘s so funny?" said Angus.
Kleos opened the door and they all went inside. A group of twenty five creatures, great and small, sat with legs crossed on the wood floor in the large room. They had their eyes closed and hummed in unison like a choir. The room was filled with a misty incense that was so strong that it caused all of them to cough.
"I‘m surprise no of them have gagged yet," said Ricco, "This stuff is making my eyes water."
In front of the choir was a small monkey sitting upon a cushion chair with legs crossed, hands open upward, and his nose tilted high in the air. He mimicked the harmonious humming, and on the end of his fingers were two cymbals that he tapped occasionally for a ring tone to keep the mood of the exercise. The monkey was wearing a large turban that looked too heavy for his neck to support. His white whiskers, the most flamboyant part of him, grew downward in a curve. The humming went on and was becoming quite agitating, but there was a different sound coming from one of the members. A shaggy sheep dog was snoring in perfect harmony with the rest of the group. He swayed from side to side like a pendulum. Slowly to the left he went (his snoring gradually rising) and then to right until–plop!– onto the floor he went, sleeping like a baby. No one seemed to notice him until the sound of laughter quickly came into the room. All eyes opened seeking the perpetrators of this nuisance. The monkey opened one of his eyes, and upon seeing the ruckus, he shot up like a beanstalk from his cushion.
"New students I presume," said the monkey.
"And who are you," said Poe.
"Who am I?" stated the monkey as if offended by the mere question, " I am Akim, the Emperor of wisdom. I‘m qualified, magnified, and sanctified."
"He‘s also dummified if you ask me," Ricco said under his breath.
Akim took a few steps forward and asked for this panda‘s name. When the name of Kleos filled the air, Akim‘s students could not contain the awe growing inside them. They spoke to each other about the miracles he performed and the stern, yet power teaching he gave as one having authority to do so. The stories of the kingdom of God spewed forth; hearing the godly wisdom was a challenge to Akim‘s worldly wit. The monkey aimed a menacing glance at his class and all talking ceased.
"What are all of you babbling about?" said Akim.
"Don‘t you know who he is?" asking the sheep dog wiping the sleep from his eyes, "He‘s the one that‘s been in the papers. He‘s healed the sick, even forgiven sins— as God can."
A multitude from outside, began to crowd the shop. The number was so great that the shop could have split in half from the capacity. Akim invited Kleos to give a lesson on life. The red panda stood beside Akim, insisting that he give an example of worldly wisdom.
"Well," said Akim, " This is what I teach my students: take what is yours, gain all that you can."
But Kleos said,
Kleos intimated for Akim to give another example. The monkey, still trying to comprehend the saying, was apprehensive of giving another. However, after a long silence, Akim proceeded.
"I also teach," he said shrilly, "that we should follow our hearts!" But Kleos said,
There was silence and Kleos continued.
"How can we trust God?" said Akim, "What work do we have to do?"
The crowd marveled, even Akim‘s students, who has been engendered for months of worldly wit, were drawn to the truth. The monkey stood silent, overlooking the crowd, but the hand of the red panda again was extended for another example; Akim refused to speak. In his place came a spy of the keepers, who tempting Kleos said this:
"You teach well, farmer," said the spy, "But tell me is it better to obey God or to obey you?"
Kleos perceiving the temptation, answered saying,
The spy spoke vehemently to Kleos, saying that he committed blasphemy equating himself with God.
"My leaders will hear of what you have spoken," said the spy leaving in great wrath.
"If they hear they will be saved." said Kleos retorting.
Akim walked up to the red panda, for he admired Kleos‘s great wisdom.
"I always wanted to know this, ever since I started my studies; yet I could never answer it: what is the meaning of life?"
"And the meaning of life?" said Akim biting his lip for the answer. Kleos seeing his eagerness, smiled and said:
"The meaning of life is this: serve God and tell others about him." From that day forward, Akim followed Kleos.