The Quest for the Temple Key

Danielle had been carefully studying her parents. She considered their arguments and, frankly, wasn’t surprised by them. In fact, their comments here on their vaulted perch in the Rookery were much the same as she’d heard many times at home, around their dinner table. Sometimes, the discussion would evolve into more of an argument, especially when they hosted visiting faculty from other universities.

Ercen was watching Danielle, waiting.

“Um, well, I think it’s important that humans, are—like you said, Daddy—scientific, and all. Obviously, some good things have come from that. But it’s also true that some terrible things have come from science, too. For instance, we’re certainly growing more powerful and able to kill more people…” She stopped, not sure if she’d said too much already.

Peter smiled a little, nodding for his daughter to continue.

“And it’s great and everything that we’re artistic and creative, like you said, Mommy. But sometimes it’s through books and art that some people sway other people to believe—and to do—terribly wrong things about others.

“So, I guess, as far as I’m concerned,” Danielle said, her voice quivering slightly, “what makes humans different than other creatures is that they can care about each other. You know…that they can love.”

Kimar slowly turned his head to face Danielle. He nodded. “You are perceptive, young one. More perceptive than many of our own kind.”

“To protect is to care, to love,” added Ercen. “When some of our kindred chose to follow Kahrnahrgx and to part from protecting humans, they embraced the opposite of love. They rejected love. Within the void this left in their souls, they poured hate.”