You knew me as the Steel General. I slew Osiris and was broken myself. The Prince collected me and I wear the flesh once more, for a time. I come to tell you that this thing is so, and to say to your face that it was not a deed of stealth or malice, but an open act of combat in time of war.
You are a man of truth. Among all creatures, I do not doubt your word. And I seek no satisfaction if the deed was fair and in time of war.
And how went the war?
FAT MAN, ALL IN BLACK WHOSE ONE EYE IS A GRAY WHEEL, TURNING
The Prince holds the Middle Worlds once more.
And we are his emissaries, come to request your return to the House of Life, that you may rule there now in your father's stead, as Angel of that place.
I see. What of Set?
He is gone away. None knows where.
This likes me. More than a little. Yes, I suppose I’ll return.
MADRAK (dropping to one knee beside Megra of Kalgan.)
What child is this?
My son.
The son of Horus. Have you a name for him?
Not yet.
Congratulations.
Yes.
Many.
Thank you.
I give him the pendant of Isis, which is a thing of power. I know she would like her grandson to have it.
Thank you.
I give him a ring that is a piece of my first body, which served me well. It has always reminded me of humanity, in times of need.
Thank you.
I give him my staff, that it may comfort him. For there is an ancient tradition that staves have a way of doing that. I don’t know why.
Thank you.
I must depart now and begin my pilgrimage of repentance. Hail, Angel of the House of Life!
A good journey to you, Madrak.
(Madrak departs)
There is a revolution I must encourage. I go to find my horse. Hail, Angel of the House of Life!
A good revolution to you, General.
(The General departs.)
VRAMIN
And I go to the House of the Dead, where I now rule. Hail, Angel of the House of Life! The Prince will contact you one day from Marachek. And the other Angels of the other Stations will assemble to pay you honor.
A fine poetry and a good madness to you, Vramin.
Thank you, and I guess that’s about all there is to be said.
So it would seem.
(Vramin raises his cane and a poem falls and blazes upon the floor.
Horus lowers his eyes to read it, and when he looks up again the green man is gone.
As the poem fades, the Angel of the House of Life knows that it was true but forgets the words, which is as it should be.)