James Somers - The Order of Shaddai

Since those days, Mordred had taken it from the people. If they found someone with a copy of its manuscripts, the penalty was death. Elspeth had told him of the days, when he was still too young to remember such things, about Wraith Riders entering into the villages and towns-into the homes of the people and the places of worship to take the Word and burn it in piles in the streets.

Isaiah began reading from the book. “When the demon born conqueror rises to power, and darkness rules in the land of Shaddai, then shall come the Deliverer walking seen and unseen. Salem’s son who shall be a rod in the hand of the Lord to smite the wicked-and Shaddai’s priest shall be a sword of judgment and a king to bring the hearts of the people back to their God.”

“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard the prophecy read from the Word,” Ethan said.

“See? I told you, Ethan, you are Salem’s son, the Deliverer who walks seen and unseen!” Gideon said.

“But what about the other part,” Levi said, “Where Shaddai’s priest is a sword of judgment and a king?”

“Well, obviously it refers to Ethan being trained as a priest of Shaddai. That’s why he’s been brought here, after all. And we’re not sure, but the Word seems to suggest that the Deliverer will be the next king of Nod,” Gideon said.

Levi looked at Ethan and then at Isaiah. “Is that what it means? The boy will be the next king?”

“Well to be honest, we aren’t exactly sure,” Isaiah confessed, “But that does appear to be the implication.”

Ethan sat astonished. Could this possibly be meant for him? Was he to be a king? Gideon placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’d gladly serve under you, if it’s the Shaddai’s will, Ethan.”

“Well, you’ve a long way to go before you can become a king,” Isaiah said. “It takes training to be what Shaddai would have you to be, king or no. And let’s not forget that Mordred will not give up his reign so easily, as you have seen. He commands a great host of demons who have allied with him.”

Ethan leaned toward Isaiah. “There’s one in particular.”

Isaiah stopped short of sipping the tea again. “What do you mean?”

Ethan raised his shirt to reveal the scars from the battle in the palace, throne room. “The one who did this to me seemed to be in charge of the others. He told me his name-Jericho.”

Isaiah’s complexion blanched at the name. He looked at Gideon.

“An ancient name,” Gideon said.

“An ancient foe,” Isaiah added. “He is the chief of demons, according to Shaddai’s Word, and he is worshipped in many different forms by the heathen. No wonder you could not defeat him in battle. Only Emmanuel himself can defeat this foe.”

“But I thought all of the demons served Mordred and his Wraith Riders,” Levi said, puzzled.

“You can be sure of this, Captain Bonifast, Jericho serves no one. Mordrid is simply a tool in his hand no matter what it may appear. Using Mordred and the Wraith Riders allows Jericho and his fellow angels to work in this physical realm in a way they otherwise could not.”

“Perhaps that is the reason for Ethan’s particular abilities?” Gideon said, feeling a sudden epiphany.

“Perhaps. We must do everything we can to help Ethan hone these gifts and many more he will learn here. And the sooner the better to begin the training, I think.” Isaiah closed the book and laid it on the table again as he stood up.

The other men followed, standing before the fire. “Welcome to The Order of Shaddai, my boy.” Isaiah smiled, placing a firm hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “You are now a priest in training. Gideon will see that you are fitted with robes, along with all you will need. I’m going to assign Gideon to be your mentor during your training. He’s the best we have.”

Ethan smiled, but Levi interjected. “I see that you’re going to have a lot to do here, boys. Therefore, I think it would be best if I did not remain. After all, I’ve lost my ship, and technically I’m still under the commission of King Stephen.”

“Captain Bonifast, I wonder if I might speak to you in private.” Isaiah said.

“Of course, sir.”

“Gideon, if you would, please take Ethan and get him settled in his quarters. Then show him around the Temple. There’s a lot for him to learn and very little time to do so.”

“Yes, Master Isaiah.” Gideon and Ethan left the anteroom the way they had entered, closing the door behind them, leaving Levi with the High Priest of Shaddai. Levi forced a queer smile.

When the door closed, Levi suddenly felt a bit claustrophobic. The High Priest exuded authority and vast wisdom, and it simply made him uncomfortable that he was singled out to stay and speak with the man.

“Captain Bonifast, I truly appreciate your help in bringing Ethan to us here at The Order. Gideon has shared some of the more harrowing details of your brief acquaintance and his gratitude toward you for saving their lives on several occasions. I know that it cost you dearly to do so.”

“Well, that ride in here was pretty harrowing; I don’t mind telling you…” Levi coughed, abandoning his joke. “I appreciate the sentiment, Master Isaiah, but thanks are not necessary. It’s been my privilege to know these two young men. I count them as true friends. And if these things were meant to happen in Shaddai’s will, then I accept them.”

Isaiah smiled. “Gideon said that you were a man of strong faith. I can see he did not misjudge you.” The High Priest took his own seat again next to the fireplace. “Please, let’s sit for just a moment.”

Levi obliged the man, though uncertainly.

“It is concerning the will of the Almighty that I wish to speak to you about,” Isaiah said. “I can understand your desire to leave the Temple and to report back to Stephen, as there is still a war going on. And I fear it is only the beginning. But consider that Stephen’s army is defeated, and he has barely been able to cross back into his own country of Wayland.”

The news surprised Levi, shown plainly on his face. The elder man laughed. “Did you think that we are so secluded from the outside that we know nothing of the world in here? We, in fact, receive regular reports from all over Nod. Right now, Mordred is personally searching for the Deliverer, punishing those villages and towns which have given aid to Stephen’s army. You might go to Wayland as you said, or you could remain in Nod and perform a task that was given to me by Shaddai himself in a vision.”

Now Levi became intrigued. “You’ve got my ear, sir.”

“Shaddai has revealed to me that the Isle of Macedon is sending an emissary to us requesting the Word be sent to them.”

“But they aren’t part of Nodian territory.”

“We send the Word to anyone who asks, Captain, regardless of their affiliation. This is our task. We copy the manuscripts and prepare the volumes for transport. Our warrior-priests escort the Word to its destination, often remaining to play a role in the teaching and preaching of its contents. The heathen occupy Macedon to this day, but ten years ago, we sent two priests charged with preserving the Word already there. Both of them are missing and presumed dead.”

“So, where do I fit into this?” Levi asked.

“We are preparing to send the Word by ship to the Island. I am hoping you, Captain, will be willing to provide transport for the priests who are chosen to go.”

“But my ship is gone, blown to bits trying to escape with our lives from Mordred’s navy.”

“I understand, but I’m offering to give you a new ship and the means to outfit it as you please with crew and weaponry,” Isaiah said.

Levi’s right eyebrow cocked up. “Really? Now you’re talking.”