Chapter 19 Part 6

The ancient masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive. 

It had been three days since Rei had picked up the instructed book. She had finished reading it the first day, but had re-read it the second, and the third. It was as if each time she read it, some new weird layer of her brain appreciated it on some other level than it did before. One thing she hadn't done since she had gotten the book was return to her job at the Ashram Conservatorium. Even though she would likely be disciplined for her absence, she simply didn't care. She'd remain at home. This book seemed way more important than anything the Ashram might need from her. Something about what was written seemed inherently right. Her problem with the Shapers had been the insistence that they were holy--above reproach. Not unlike the kings and queens of ancient eras, the Shapers had been lifted to the status of gods because people needed them to be. Nothing unifies a diverse nation like the deification of its leaders. The only way they lose their god status is if they are deposed or defeated in battle. Some emperors encouraged their god-like status to the extent that they had temples built in their own honor so that even after death, they could still rule the people.

Rei believed many of the Shapers were inspired people, but gods they most certainly were not. She could never put her finger on why, until reading this book. No wonder it was restricted. A book like this could shake the confidence of the entire society in which she lived. What was more unsettling was that many societies had had access to this book freely over time, but even with it circulating it was ignored. Perhaps a select few had read it. A smaller select few had understood it. Smaller still were those who both understood and applied it. Someone or something in her society, though, had considered it dangerous enough to be competition. Perhaps the assumption had been if one can control books such as these, then the citizenry has little to no choice but to accept the authority placed before it.

Rei opened the book to a random page. This time, though, she noticed something that her previous reads had not revealed.

High Priestess Rei,

I am glad to see that you are enjoying the suggested little book. Is it not odd how you were at the right place, at the right time, in the Ashram Conservatorium, such that you were able to access it? You even managed to generate what passes for a compliment from Cerberus. 

It is important now for you to initiate slipstream travel from the confines of your closet. I realize this is not the most elegant place or way to travel, but it is imperative you do so.

Kindest Regards,

Reipawn

Rei closed the book in disbelief and re-opened it to the same page. She saw nothing there. She glanced up at her bedroom wall in confusion as she tried to make sense of what she was experiencing. As her eyes softly focused on the wall, she started to see more words.

Remember, slipstream travel in your closet. Try thinking less. It will make you less distressed.

Rei started to breathe in a belabored way. Wasn't this what happened to people who lost their minds? Was she making this all up? She seemed to remember that people who described this process of going crazy often heard voices. As she had thought, a voice rang through her head.

You aren't crazy. Settle down.

Rei did just that as she blacked out.