‘Our world is untrue in all its forms; nothing is real, nothing but the great climb that is power. The ladder of position is all there is.
‘You think to know me, yet it is clear that you do not, just as it is clear that I do not know you. We are mutually anonymous to one and another – for while I have your name, and you mine, I do not know that which you want: for as much, you are entirely unpredictable. You do not know what I want, either, for that which I want is quite impossible to acquire: something of value greater than all possible ends, rewards, things.
‘Were the world to be true; were it to be real, then such would be ever greater in difficulty – yet, I find, it is that which would be impossible, which remains entirely possible, should a man, or woman, play well.
‘You have not played well this time, and your plots have been ruined. Your... friend – he met a proud end, at the hands of my own friends.’‘Friend? I have no friends.’ Riverside said, his voice entirely genuine.
‘Of course you have no friends – for friendship is entirely non-existent. Yet, I advise you to be more careful in your choosing of fools when next you decide to act so,’ said Cyriad in his equally genuine tone, ‘for there are those that would act against you greater than my friends: and soon, all the lies of this world will be seen by those of great ability.’
‘You mean yourself? Well, once all the lies are stripped away – all the concepts, and the falsehoods, everything... what then? What will be left of the world, but chaos? A terrible pit, deep and all-swallowing; doom, and terror, and anarchy will reign supreme in all places. The world needs its concepts, else it will fall, and burn in the very truth it sought. You would see this happen?’ Riverside seemed completely uncaring of the ‘friend’ he had sent Cyriad, though in truth he was sorrowful; he did not care in a way of empathy, and true friendship, but he realised now: his rival was one of great ability. Cyriad would not be dealt with easily.
‘Chaos isn’t a pit. Nor would the anarchy it leads to, be something of terror: in fact, it would be quite the opposite. It is a ladder: one that can be climbed very high. For, it is only during times of chaos, that anything of note can be achieved – you too wish for chaos.’ Cyriad smirked, slowly making his leave, ‘In time, my friend, the error of your ways shall become quite apparent; you have done poorly.’
Slight reference to "A Game of Thrones", but meh!
