Darkness' Delusions

Chapter seven

Chapter Seven

In one of my hands I hold a sword (from where it came I don't know). It's the exact same replica of the one Nathaniel gave me. It could be the same one but I'm not sure. A teenage boy, wearing all white, around my age or older encounters me. I think he's the one whose voice I heard greeting me to this place he called Ethereal. "Hello, my name's Caedyn Harper. You must be Enzaverlina Davis." He says pleasantly and extends his hand out for me to shake it.

Before I respond, I first take in his appearance: Average height for a full grown male...or maybe just below average height. Dark brown hair. Warm hazel eyes. And a pleasant smile. Then my hand shakes his back. "Hi." I say, but I say it slowly because something about him seems so familiar- like I've met him before. But I can't put a finger on where. Or if I even have. "Yes, that's my name but I rather just be called Enza."

He smiles. "Well, here in Ethereal we only call each other by their full name. Minus the middle and last name, of course, unless though if one of the Authorities summon you. They always prefer addressing one by their full birth name." he explains.

"Oh." I say. "But how do you know my name?" This is one question, I know, will trouble me if I don't ask it.

"Nathaniel told me awhile ago that you would be coming to Ethereal today." he answers.

I nod my head in acknowledgment even though I don't think I'm following all the way. Then I look around. "So, where am I exactly? I've never heard of this place you call Ethereal."

He gives a suppressed laugh. "I didn't think so, I was told by an Authority to show you around. Where would you like to go first?"

"I don't know. This is all so new to me..." I do a full panorama scan from where I stand. On my right in the far distance, I see and hear a thundering waterfall. It's extraordinarily high and the water is very blue. On my left, fairly close beside me, there's a tree full of a peculiar kind of fruit, one I've never seen before. Way ahead of me on a rich green grassy hill, is the most beautiful mansion I've ever seen. It looks like it was made from pure gold. Two large doors, covered with exquisite designs, is the opening of the building. On each side of the doors are great white marble pillars. I see two men dressed in white robes, each holding a fiery glowing sword in their hand. One man stands by one pillar and the other man stands by the other pillar. On the left side of the mansion, some distance away is a rugged hill and on the top of the hill is three crosses. The cross in the middle is for Jesus. And the two on each side of His are for the two thieves that were crucified the same day he was. I know this because I've heard and read the story of Christ's crucifixion many times. But the story is a great one and can never be over told. This hill...I point to it. "I want to go there." I finally give an answer to Caedyn.

"Follow me and I'll take you." he says.

"Okay." I follow right behind him. As we walk there, I ask, "How many people are here in Ethereal?"

"Not very many actually." he says. "There's a lot of beings here but not a lot mortals. Including you, there's only fourteen of us. Seven boys and seven girls. You'll meet them later, during Training Session."

"The beings must be angels, right?" I question.

"Yes, they're all angels but some of them are called Authorities." he says.

"Oh." I say. Before we approach Golgotha's hill, there's a bridge that we have to cross. The bridge goes over a river that's in between where we stand and the hill. I stop and look inside the river and marvel at how clear and blue it is. It's very beautiful...just like everything here. In the river, I also notice something else. My reflection. I look so different. No blemishes on my face, my hair and everything just perfect. And I'm wearing all white just like Caedyn and most likely everyone else here. I'm have on a pretty blouse with gold designs embroider around the neckline and the sleeves, and I wear pants that almost look like a long skirt. In my hands, I notice my sword again from my reflection in the river. It prompts me to ask Caedyn about it. "Why do I have this sword?"