37
DEMON CRACY
of the earth’s peoples in demonism.”
“So let it be said that I am a demon. And let it be, that in the future,
people will call this conception of mine democracy.”
***
At sunset the decree was issued to the slaves. They were astounded, and
many were unable to sleep that night, as they contemplated their new and
happy life.
The next morning the priests and the pharaoh once again ascended to the
platform atop the man-made mountain. They could not have imagined the
scene they now saw before them. Thousands of people, former slaves, were
racing against each other to haul the very same stones as before. Many, the
sweat streaming off them, were carrying two stones each. Others, carrying
one stone, were running along, kicking up the dust. There were also several
sentries hauling stones. These people, who now thought of themselves as
free – after all, their chains had been removed – were striving to acquire as
many of the coins they were lusting after as possible, so that they could
build their happy lives.
Cracy spent a few more months on his platform, gazing with satisfaction
at what was transpiring below. The changes were immense. Some of the
slaves had united into small groups and constructed carts. After loading
these carts to the top with stones, they’d push them along, streaming with
sweat.
“They will invent still more devices,” Cracy thought to himself with satis-
faction. “Why, even now, people have begun providing domestic services:
they deliver water and food. Some of the slaves eat on the go, not wanting
to spend time going back to the barracks to eat, and they pay those who
bring them food out of the coins they earn. And look! Healers have ap-
