City of the Gods VII The great day came when the Gods removed the two Beings babies from their birth vats. They cleaned and wiped the newborns dry. Martan handed Jainen to his father and Lillain passed Hotha into the eager arms of her mother. "You must understand, that these are your original children only in body," cautioned Lillain. "They will be like them in looks and in much of their temperament, but they are and will be different persons as you will soon find out. However, they are not artificial beings, like our androids. They are every bit your flesh and blood; just as your original children were." Raaij tried to express his gratitude to the Gods, but could not find the words. Lillain put her fingertips against his lips. "No need, Raaij. In doing this, we have been given as much as you." Martan nodded his head in agreement. "We told you, once, that our lives had become empty, meaningless. The God gestured toward the newborns. "They have restored purpose to our lives. We are more than even. "I'm not sure exactly why we chose to remain behind when the others left. I thought it was for our own rather selfish reasons. Now I wonder. Perhaps, we stayed because we were supposed to restore your children to you?" Martan looked a bit sad. "It is time for you to leave with your children. You must not come back. "All our 'magic'--as you call it--took us uncountable years to discover--and many more to master it before it destroyed us." "Some among us think it may already have done so." Lillain looked grim. "There was a war--like a hunt with weapons that could destroy whole worlds more easily than you can kill the giant Kraabeh that you hunt. All the Gods that left are dead. We know this because they have not come back; and they would have done so, if they could. Lillain and I and a few others are all that are left of our race. We would not have what happened to us, happen to you." "You must go to another village far from your home and never go back," said Martan. "Speak to no one of your time here; not even to these children you hold in your arms. Blend in, take up your old ways. Try to forget us. Our ways are dangerous ways, which will only harm your people if they come seeking our magic--our machines and knowledge." He paused. "Do you understand?" TO BE CONTINUTED: __________________