Earthly Powers by Carmen Sylva
The narrative follows Strife's relentless pursuit of Truth, depicted as a journey fraught with challenges and encounters. Strife, driven by a desire for knowledge, seeks the elusive Truth, who resides in a crystal castle atop a mountain. Along the way, he meets Query, a whimsical being who leads him to Doubt, a figure representing uncertainty. Their struggle culminates in a year-long battle, after which Strife overcomes Doubt and continues his ascent. Upon reaching the mountain's peak, Strife encounters Innocence, the daughter of Truth, and becomes enamored with her beauty. In a moment of distraction, he abandons his quest for Truth, choosing instead to pursue Innocence. This decision leads to dire consequences, as Truth, sensing her daughter's peril, descends the mountain only to find Strife has blinded himself in his obsession. In her anguish, Truth casts Innocence away, leading her to Doubt, where she ultimately meets her demise. Innocence's death births a new entity, a child of Falsehood, who embodies the chaos and deception that ensue from Strife's actions. The story explores themes of knowledge, the consequences of obsession, and the interplay between truth and falsehood, ultimately illustrating the tragic outcomes of Strife's relentless quest.
By Carmen Sylva · First published 1980 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy