Stephen Lawhead - The Paradise War

I longed to show him the paradise I had discovered in Albion, but I knew that I could not. Try as I might, I could never make him understand. The gulf between us was too great. Words alone could never span the distance, nor describe the cruel destruction yet threatening that fair world.

But I was spared the need to answer, for Professor Nettleton laid his hand to my arm and leaned close, «Unfortunately, we do not have much time. The others,» he jerked his head in the direction of the tent, and I knew who he meant, «will return at any moment. They are very close to a breakthrough-they know about the portal here. I have contrived to join their excavations so that I can stay close at hand. But we cannot let them find you here like this.»

«Where is Simon?» I asked, my tongue awkward and clumsy in my mouth.

«Simon?» The professor seemed mystified. «But I have not seen Simon. Only you have returned.»

Even as I stood there, struggling to understand, I noticed that the feeble light had dimmed yet further; it was darker now than just a few moments ago. . . odd.

I glanced over my shoulder toward the cairn.., the glen was sinking into darkness, shadows deepening. A crow circled slowly overhead, silently watching…. Then I realized that it was not dawn at all-but dusk. In this world the day was rapidly approaching twilight and the time-between-times. Soon the portal inside Carnwood Cairn would open.

And if Simon had not returned…

I saw the signs and felt the elemental tidepull of the moment in my blood and in my bones. And I heard the Song-streaming across the blinding distance between the worlds. I heard the Song and knew that the war for paradise extended to this world and to this very moment. And I had, now, to choose.

Nettles was watching me. I swung towards him and raised my hand in a simple farewell. Then I turned and walked to the ancient cairn. I heard Professor Nettleton call out behind me: «Good-bye, Lewis! God go with you!»

And then another voice-Weston's voice, excited, alarmed, shouting, «Wait! Stop! Stop him, quick!» I heard frantic footsteps on the frozen earth behind me. «No! Please!

Turn back!»

But I did not stop. I did not turn back. For I had heard the Song of Albion, and my life was no longer my own.