The timekeeper surveyed the room as she waited for the Guardian to explain. The chamber was vast, much larger and darker than the Room of the Word. There was something unnerving about the emptiness that seemed to consume that darkness; beyond her vision. She felt drawn towards it, something hidden there was tugging at her mind, compelling her to see with more than her eyes what might be there. The sound of the Guardians' thoughts were sharper than those the keeper had "heard" before. They snapped her mind back from that dark and empty space before she had become completely drawn in. "Many centuries ago", she began. "A great philosopher stumbled upon a truth that he didn't, couldn't, totally understand. His idea was that there is no time as we know it, that time was an illusion produced by something, or someone, who wanted to hide the true nature of reality from our eyes and thoughts." She paused for a moment then continued. "He was right, to a point... but, the truth is far too complex for our minds to digest completely. I will tell you as simply as I know how as to the Great Lie that was, is still being, perpetrated on our world. First, you must understand that for anything to exist it must be observed. This observation of a thing is passed along through Global Conscienceless until it is perceived as being real. These are two of the Supreme Laws of Nature, 'that time cannot be measured, and 'to exist something has to be observed'. And, those laws have to be known in order to understand how these "laws" can be used to manipulate our perception of all that we believe to be real." She waited a moment to see if the timekeeper was taking the information in. Satisfied that she was indeed following along, the Guardian continued. "What the philosopher didn't grasp was that, indeed, time does exist, it is merely suspended. Time stopped it's progression eons ago, at a particular point in history when a choice was given to the people of this world. Again, I won't go into the details of that choice. Let it suffice to say once the choice has been made to the satisfaction of the observer, time will come to an end and the veil will be lifted from our eyes. At that time we will see the world as it truly is... ". She adjusted herself in her chair. "As we progressed through many ages, there were some who found that by manipulating words and pictures, they could change the perception of reality for nearly everyone on the planet. (there were always exceptions to every rule, so it was with these as well) By using phases instead of meaningful words they could get the masses to believe almost anything they wanted them to. By diverting their attention to meaningless programs and slowly diluting the language, they gained control of how the people saw each other and how they reacted to such things as war, hunger, homelessness, greed and power. In a mere two centuries this world moved from horse and cart to moon landings. We moved from telling stories around fireplaces to being hypnotized by "reality" tv, even the very politicians who ruled the people became "reality" figures. They would lie and cheat and laugh with disdain at those who challenged their words. Technology grew so fast that people couldn't keep up with it... machines did the work, people were left without purpose. But, slowly things were changing... the planet itself was changing. Water supplies dried up, leaving millions without the precious liquid.. drought destroyed the farmlands and many more millions died from starvation. But all the time this was taking place, people listened still to the droning voices being broadcast twenty-four hours a day, telling them that things weren't as bad as they seemed, that science was a lie... that it was the other side that wanted them to die. It was about that time, when things seemed to be at an end, the machines began breaking down. Electric grids collapsed, thus ending the global communication network. Tv's sat staring blankly back at their viewers, radios.. dead silence. No more words being broadcast, no one listening to the words that told them how to perceive the world around them, people began to see things as individuals. As they did, the first cracks in the illusion began to form, small things at first began to simply disintegrate, crumbling as if made of sand." Here the Guardian took a long pause, seemingly gathering her own thoughts before she finished. "You see, the population had been coerced into seeing the world as something completely different than what the original observer had first seen... Perhaps the "Observer" had turned away and was focused on something else while all this was happening, who knows? Your clock... it had been standing at five minutes to midnight for a very very long time, hadn't it?" The Timekeeper nodded in agreement. The fact that the hands moved slowly was obvious, but it did seem like they had gained speed in the recent minutes. "What you are seeing", she went on without waiting for a reply. "Is the illusion ending, and the world that truly surrounds us breaking through. The Observer has once again turned his attention towards us, and those blinded by false words are beginning to see through his eyes once more". In the distance, the sound of the Towers' iron bell tolled.... midnight had arrived.

She look so forlorn ...

oh, what a story! well told! she looks sad and maybe with good reason...

makes me think of the Metallica song from whom the bell tolls. one of your most amazing images Seth, love the window pov and intence lights. 8++

Very poetic text and wonderful image, great POV and lighting !

Superb story, splendid and touching image, excellent pose and lighting!

Just sitting here thinking about this ending, really very good, prophetic even. We have all been blinded by progress and technology, lulled into into complaciency by our supposed leaders who know how to play on our fears and turn one against another "I will protect you". Our apathy to the way things are will be our undoing unless we wake up and soon. Awesome series, great art, great story, Imagery and words for thinking individuals. Peace

A unique perception and understanding that few possess these days, Seth. The entire series has been sterling! Kudos to you for this beautiful series and the attention and thought you put into it. The image here is touching and ominous at the same time. The lighting and her expression are wonderful and your color palette is perfect. Can't tell you how much I enjoyed this hon. Great job!

Fantastic!

Superb character, Seth!

Super story! cool art!!!

fabulous scene and marvelous writing!! amazing work!

Beautiful story and gorgeous scene !!!

I havn't read the story, sorry but it's too long for my poor English and mmy tired mind ;-) Anyway, the images of the story are all finely composed, that one is surely my preferred one, more moody and sad ... a great color palette and lighting too ...

This is a really thoughtfully well communicated narrative. I was transfixed from the begin. Very thought provoking but now I do hear the Iron Bell. Perception is no longer truth. Bravo...

Sorry I couldn't read everything Seth (English is not my language), too much things I don't understand, but great work on the render, looks very natural ! :)

Wow. That's amazing. Great atmosphere and scene composition. Bravo

Great conclusion Seth.

Awesome image! Sorry to read the final words, I've enjoyed this very much.

Absolutely fantastic work! xxx

talk about sending a chill up and down the spine - this story did it! Excellent work Seth

Amazing and insightful tale, which really does reflect the times in which we are living. It begs the question: whose reality are we living in, really? We are bombarded on all sides with political rhetoric, the sordid goings-on of the rich and famous, and "reality" TV. I mean, if we are so sucked in to the "Housewives of New Jersey", then certainly no Truth comes through. I think they (the ominous They) want to be sure we're all living in a bubble we call life while the real stuff is going down all around us...we are chained and enslaved while believing we are free. I loved the tale, very, very much, and an excellent ending that leaves the reader to consider all the possibilities. I also very much love the picture..the expression on her face is one of sorrowful awakening--perfect. OXOXOOXO Jane

I admire people that has the imagination to write successfully. I have trouble being creative for comments. very seductive mood

Fantastic~

A most superb story. Splendid art work as well! A fine combination and marvelous addition to your amazing collection!

Shes so pretty, lovely work and awesome story love the images and so well done! (another?) lol

Fantastic work, terrifyingly prophetic. 5 minutes to midnight. I do get the feeling it will only be when it's to late that the veil over our perception will be lifted.

Wow, another excellent picture and story. I love the view from window. Very great work/render.

A great tale and a beautiful render to cap it. Thanks for sharing this, Seth.

Most excellent work and story. Fine POV also.