The devious Merchants of Elba spoke two tongues being their native tongue and the Sumerian. For no Merchant of Elba could at that time be efficient in trade without the tongue that was spoken by those advanced in civilized behavior. At that time I did not know that the merchants of black grease would ever amount to anything and my ambition was to move in a skew wise direction of north to Lake Van wherein my real treasure awaited me.
So thereof it came to pass I rested in the village of Emar knowing that a dangerous trek would befall me save I move the old way. I must cross the waters to and move by the stars that guided me to the village of Nawar where I looked for no Inn. Better the safety of the stars than a dagger at my throat for what lines the pockets of my garment. So I rested and fed upon the food of the Gods drinking the ancient elixir so that My strength would be steadfast for the trek to Shekhma where ancient sorcerers and fortune tellers could be bought for nearly nothing. Always it was in Shekhma that they offered to guide you through strange lands. Yet, I hired no companion knowing that my secrets were too sacred for even the mystics of Shekhma. From Shekhma you moved north for a time and then move slightly east where the glimmering and sacred waters of Lake Van might be seen where the fishers were black dots in your eyesight you waited for them to return to their domains and move secretly to the Temple wherein was hidden the treasure beyond the wildest dreams of even the most clever of all Sumerian Mystics. The blood veins in the eyes of the black headed ones who have seen too much of the beyond could not see what I possess and live. They are black headed. How is this possible? What mystery is missing from these strange people that this should be so? Who are these people?
Mark my words. That the day of the invisible Temple shall not end easily with the way men are moved to their conquering paths. It is stated among the fortune tellers of Der that an Island exists wherein giant rodents and dragons exist where few men have set foot without fear. Yet, this land also is a refugee for those of my blood who know the trade routes will die with a new King is to rule. Der is months away from Lake Van and they would not know if I used the tablet to find this strange land. Of course, of course, of course. I shall use the old way of travel and sail to this place with four wives, six slaves and two sons. There shall I build an Empire greater than Sargon the Terrible where men will fear me like a God, or love me as a King or feast with me on rodent meat and I will drink the blood of dragons wearing its red leather upon my shoulders as I laugh at escaping the madness of this land where war lives for the sake of the amusement of smiling Gods. My secret plot shall be translated in time enough. How amusing that the peoples of Khem growl at you to silence you like an animal which is its words for be silent. So shall I growl like an animal to myself in honor of the giant stone huts where they bury their conquering kings and move forth to my next plot of travel. What exists in the stone huts? Dead kings or are these a place where the Gods can commune? It is not known if it be known.
I shall finish this tale in a day forthcoming. Meanwhile, translate this for now and I will give the rest of the tale to its clever finish later onward.
(Several hundred years later) We are established upon this Isle and no people but us exist here or those sons and daughters of those who we brought to serve us. My sons have brought others and some of them have vanished into the bowels of this land. I saw no dragons on this Isle at all. Yet, the giant rodents eat trees here. Some strange animals exist but they are shy to the movement of people. The birth chamber of the Goddess is hidden and those who inhabited the sacred mountain and the ancient lake reside here. It is safe to state that Sargon had no magical powers. Yet, I shall not fool the farmer to bow before me with mine. Better to wait for a king to arise and be advisor to his royal council. I have seen strange ships unknown to my knowledge from some strange land. Are they from the town of Der or from some world unknown? I do not know. I shall continue this tale in time to elapse where I have worthy ship to sail its journey. So quiet here. Yet, the Gods are sending strange storms. It is an omen that great changes are coming. What have I done coming here? Are the Gods pleased or am I of their divine plan for something beyond the knowledge of mortal men? I know this not, but I feel the stirring of something new. What is it? Are the Gods about to come as messengers? The fishers of the Lake thought strangers would speak the words of Gods. They heard the words of Gods in the chance voices of children. I think these things and know that there is a magic beyond my skill. My daughter is approaching my chamber. I shall hide this writing and come back to this tale later.
(Centuries later) The Romans inhabited the Island for a short time but now new breeds and tribes have made nations. I have left the Island and have decided to pursue My old habit of moving with my fashion by either travel or tending an Inn. Where is my civilization now? No longer doth the Warrior Hierophant guard the Temple of the Goddess upon the birth of the child of the city. The emptiness of men’s eyes where the fire of magic is buried in the depths of their being. My magical powers have increased. All of my breed are slain if they do not hide themselves from the fear that is uncontrollable. My magical powers keep me alive and I see men as vulnerable, so much so, that they are like people lying in the desert sun at midday absent of arms and legs. Weak fools who have permitted themselves to be slaves to the cult of the dead man. The cult of the dead man is spreading. It is like a disease that is more horrible than the worship of one God. I am the Innkeeper whose sacred rooms would not be profaned by the sacrifice of first born. Yet, something went wrong. They saw the Star in the East as a sign to not move with their tradition. Today I shaved My white beard with My dagger. I must wear the garment of the country I travel. No more Kings nor Queens to serve for my magical powers are too horrid for mere men of the village. The horses are everywhere now. Even in those lands wherein the steed is not native to its land. What will become of a world that has transport as swift as a steed? The horse, the sword, and the armor means power. Has man forgotten the fire of his manhood? I must observe this with depth and radiance. What does this mean for the future of this world? The Goddess is spotted by the fever of ecstasy to be bestowed as starlight to men of my breed. The farmer is only pleased with his crop and the feeding and watering of his loyal slaves. They bow before the image of the dead man. All is corrupted before the Star Goddess who is spotted by the fever of ecstasy. All is collision. I must observe caution. Every nation upon this world is gone and replaced by those who repeat the same mistakes. Over and over and over and over and over again. Why yes, I shall find yet another maiden to marry in yet another land.
(Centuries later) Back in the day this town was called New Amsterdam. Hey, maybe my old man or his old man told me what I just told you. I’m just a guy who made it with the American Dream. What more can there be to it. I’ve dealt with every Tom, Dick and Harry in this dusty old town. I’ve known one big shot after another get the cancer of this town. Hey, I’ve been around the block, ace. Take it from me. I wasn’t born yesterday. I’ve got a few things up my sleeve. The broad I’m kicking around with. She’s not Mae West but she does her best. Hey, I’m not Clark Gable, but I sure am able. Where I was back in the day. You don’t want to know. I tell you I’ve got secrets. You’d be surprised if I told you the real deal. Hey, guy, it’s not who or what I am but I can do for you. Stick with me, baby, and you’ll be sucking down beer in the classiest joints in town. You’ll be clicking diamond studded high heels down Broadway. I’ve got it going on, boys, I’ll show you the how to open up those doors. You’ll be twirling the gold chain and blowing cigar smoke in Joe six pack from Syracuse who doesn’t know shoe shine juice from spoiled orange squeeze. You’ll be shaving with pearl handled razors and bathing in warm milk if you take my advice. Hey, the broads in this town you have watch out for. Class is something you can’t buy and doesn’t rub off. If they do it my way it all comes out to ice cream on your apple pie. I’ve had a few politicians in my back pocket but who needs them as a part of any sweet deal? I’ve been there and done it. Lay out your own chess board and be both sides of the game. This is the only game in town where you avoid the the wise guy and play ball with the big shots. What’s different about me? You don’t want to know any of my secrets. Lets just say I know what to tell the tailor. Say, ace, if you want to hear the tune you have to pay the piper.
(Years later) Today I left New York City forever. The barbarians have attempted Jihad and I have rested sufficiently knowing that once again I go to my secret Temple in the south of this land to retrieve those supreme objects of magick. Forgive your enemies, perhaps, but only after you have defeated them. After I retrieved my magical weapons I shall once again wear the Robe of 156 Stars and the Cone of 11 Stars. I will consecrate my Wand and continue My Great Work knowing that no one would suspect My True Will. I dare say, that you really must establish yourself on the Plane of Disks sufficiently to permit the complexity of magical war. Of course, the savages who attempted Jihad would not of been directing themselves at me. After all, I do not exist and have not existed for them since the dreadful issues. Never the less, I shall treat this as a sign from the Gods that I must move active to avenge these attacks. How wondrous it was to wear my Robe and Cone again. I felt the surge and the inner flame once again and I adjusted the aura of My physical body so it re-manifested my ancient magical powers and youth. Do I have to sink the Middle East below the earth before they see that Mohammad does not sit upon the Holy Throne? Not now. I shall follow through with Curses and let it be known among you, that I am the mighty and terrible one who cometh forth from beyond the ages of ages. How invigorating it is to be so powerful. I will rip off the head of Islam and tear off the flesh of Mohammad. With the flaming red force of my magical dagger I shall pass it over the ancient seals which shall cut out their hearts and hold them before their faces before they have time to die. For they have shown no heart to the innocent so shall I in the blood thirst of my revenge I show them the emptiness of their being where as they have shown cruelty to the innocent so shall my magic spell of ancient hearts make them prey to their inner horrors. I have returned to My Temple in the south and they will know the weight of My displeasure. Call me the Lord of Vengeance and as the Merlin Bird of Prey you cannot hide from my sight. You cannot escape me. At last, the ceremonies are completed. I have done magick so My Temple cannot be seen. I have created new doorways. So now, I go to a city that cannot see me where I begin My new plan and new life. This time I did not bring the Robe and the Cone with me. I shall wear it yet again in time and believe Me, you. That there shall come a time when the evils of Islam shall vanish from the face of My unspeakable glory.