“There is something we all seek. Perhaps you aren’t aware of what you are searching for?”
“That could very well be it.”
“But you aren’t sure, are you? Everyone who makes their way here does so with intent whether they realize it or not. Here is a place of compassion and understanding – free of the judgement that oppresses our true self. It is only in an environment like this, that a person can attain their true potential.”
“Since you mention potential, is that the same tactic as the art session?”
“That is just one of the many methods we employ. The art sessions are a new and well-liked addition.”
“So Emma Lynn teaches all of them?”
“I wasn’t aware that you were friends with Emma Lynn. Please tell me you didn’t come all this way for an art lesson. You’ll be disappointed if that is the case.”
“Oh? Am I not allowed to ask after her? I really think she is inspiring and could help me.”
I’d offer a kidney if it confirmed whether she was here or had really returned home to her parents.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss my members. You have my attention and time, which is in short supply, but I am always pleased to meet new members.”
“I’m not a member yet.”
“No, but I have faith and hope that we can change that. We are a new religion that follows The True One. He is all that is good and teaches us that nothing is what it seems. We are open to possibilities, we see that truth that other gods want hidden. We are the only true religion. We gather the lost and blind to us – giving them shelter. We protect our own. They can start fresh and walk the path of truth.”
“Some people may consider you a cult.”
“People are always afraid of what they don’t know or understand. We are not cruel. We have few rules, that while strict, are for the best intents. Our members choose to stay here. We encourage them to cut ties with their former lives. It makes it easier to walk in truth.”
“I’m having trouble understanding how you aren’t a cult. You encourage people to leave their families and old lives behind them. They must adhere to the strictest of rules without complaint. Are they even allowed to leave this compound?”
“Ah, I see. You don’t understand. Let me help you. We embrace questions and answer seekers here. We have nothing to hide. Spend time here and see what it is we are about. You will have full access to the temple, residence and grounds to investigate, or whatever it is you say.”
“Complete, unrestricted access? And, I’m not investigating.”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
Why indeed? Why was he being so accommodating? This man could sell me on just about anything. He was compelling, persuasive, and charismatic. Heck, I partly wanted to join based on a limited amount of time I’d spent with him, so I’d need to be careful.
“Thank you. Can I have a tour?”
In the hall, we were stopped.
“Navi is in need of you,” said a breathless woman, who ran up to Jarl.
“May I have your forgiveness for leaving you?” Jarl asked.
“Yes.”
“I’ll have Anna continue your introduction to the Institute. She’ll answer any questions you have.”
A gong sounded from somewhere. Neat trick.
Minutes later, a young woman arrived. She looked like a teen, or at the oldest, in her twenties. Many of the people I’d seen here appeared very young, but you couldn’t gauge a supernatural’s age based on how old they appeared. I didn’t sense any magic in this woman, so she was probably human.
“What can I do for you your highness?” she asked.
“Anna, please give Marty a tour and answer any questions she has. She is a seeker.”
The woman’s entire demeanor changed when she heard that I am a seeker.
“My first seeker. This is so wonderful. Thank you for trusting me with this task. I shall make you proud.”
“I have no doubt that you will. Also, when you are done, please bring Marty by to see me.”
“I shall.”
Jarl swept down the hall, giving the impression of a king hurrying away from his groveling subjects.
Anna kept up a running commentary about the Institute. She talked about how amazing her life became when she was converted. I also learned about her awe and appreciation for the grace of The True One.
I asked a few questions, but mainly let her ramble, so I could observe the people we passed. I saw artwork depicting what I assumed was The True One. There were study groups that I heard through open doors extolling the greatness of their god. I went into a library that was packed with people reading from bibles.
There was nothing that wasn’t tied to religion. I’m all for believing in something, but when it becomes your everything, it is an unhealthy obsession. Based on the tour, every single person here was obsessed with The True One. It was stomach turning. These people were sucked into this religion and lived, breathed, and ate based on will of their god. Nothing they did was without considering him. I was right to accuse Jarl of this being a cult.
After I’d seen most of the place, including several bathrooms, we ended the tour in front of Jarl’s door. She knocked on the door and Jarl ordered us to enter. Anna bowed and motioned for me to do the same. I reluctantly did.
“You are dismissed. Thank you for your service. May The True One grace you,” he said.
“And may he grace you,” she said.
Once we were alone, the words I’d kept from saying on my tour spilled out. And much like an unstoppable train wreck, so were my words.
“What have you done to these people? They are zombies, stumbling around, lost in the lies of your religious psychobabble. You’re basically selling
