Page 1444

“Many people,” said Royo, “when they hear the tale of Secho’s origins, view Secho as a martyr. They see his decision as an act of self-sacrifice for his wife, and they opine that it is this sacrifice which ‘earns’ his ascension to godhood.”

“But you don’t think that?”

“Of course not. How could it possibly be considered an act of self-sacrifice when, at the time of drinking, Secho does not know that one of the goblets is poisoned? The parable even describes his thoughts on the matter. He is concerned that the goblets have been swapped, perhaps in some manner of cruel irony, but never does he worry that he may die as a result of drinking from them.”

“Hmm. You have a point. What do you think the lesson of the story is, then?”

“As I said, it is about the natures of power, greed, and heroism--specifically, in regard to how they can be linked. Secho is a heroic figure. There is no doubt of that. He saves his wife, along with various others whom he encounters during his journey to the Sanctum. But he is also portrayed as ambitious, perhaps even greedy. We can infer that he did want to become a god. He simply did not want it more than he wanted his wife to live.”

“Okay...?”

“If all of that is the case, then Secho’s heroism is not truly ‘pure,’ which further demonstrates that it is not some vague notion of ‘moral worthiness’ that allows him to ascend to godhood. Rather, it is simply his ability to defeat a god. His ability, as an individual.”

“But he still would’ve died, if not for that last minute miracle, right? Which, uh... I mean, where did that come from? A different god? Or just nowhere? I don’t really...”

“It came from himself,” said Royo. “That is the ultimate lesson of the story, in my view. Simply put, power cannot be granted to you. True power cannot. Certainly, lesser power can be bestowed upon you, as by that of a king, but in such cases, you will always remain beholden to the granter’s will, which makes the granter inherently more powerful than you. True power, as that of a god, must be seized for oneself. And perhaps most frighteningly of all, true power does not discriminate based on any sense of morality. Whosoever has the ability--the will--can achieve it, be they for good or evil.”

Hector fell quiet.

Royo wondered if he had perhaps said too much. It had been some time since he had last engaged in a conversation so passionately. He had grown so accustomed to never truly speaking his mind to anyone that he now felt somewhat embarrassed, as if he’d revealed a part of himself that he had not meant to. “I must apologize,” he said. “I did not mean to rant at you.”

“Ah,” said Hector, “don’t worry about it. I was... I was the one who kept asking you questions.”