Legacy of the Dreams

Interlude 3 - Alternate Plans

Satan scowled at the intervention of the Lord.

"You were not to interfere," Satan protested.

"I sent help in response to My servant's pleas," the Lord said. "I will never forsake one who cries out for help in My name."

"And that help sent for the sake of one was witnessed by your faithful, and his son. Elias would not have heard you otherwise," Satan said.

"That faithful servant was sent by Me, for My purpose. She remains true to what I sent her to do," the Lord maintained.

"Is her purpose to interfere?" Satan sneered.

"Her purpose is to be my voice in all things," the Lord said. "That Elias listened to her above your whispers was his choice."

"A choice your messenger practically thrust upon him," Satan protested.

"While I heed the cries of those I claim as my own, I will not impede or in any way interfere with the choice of men. Elias heard the voice of heaven. He also heard your whispers, sending doubts wrapped up in the form of dreams to delay him from acting. On this occasion, it was his choice who to listen to. It still is," the Lord reminded him. "One message, clearly received once it is interpreted, does not an active listener make. One act based on religion alone does not constitute a faithful follower. It is a step on the right path, but only one."

"True, but you have won the round on this day," Satan said.

"Ah, but this is not the end of days," the Lord reminded him.

"Meaning, the game in still in play," Satan recognized.

"The battle for the souls held most dear by Cadence and Jalyn is far from over," the Lord conceded. "It will be many days yet before we know who won the war ... not only for this soul, but all those your legion see fit to influence, keeping them from fulfilling their part in my plan."

"Ah, yes I see. There are many fronts where you and I are currently doing battle in this particular war. Some are more easily influenced than others," Satan said.

"Very true. Elia's soul is not the only one we are battling for," the Lord said.

"In his case ... hum, I must consider carefully who to send to ensure my servant will not be detected so easily. But perhaps the best approach to take is to target others where he can watch. Then perhaps my more subtle agents will have more success at hitting their mark."

"You wish him to watch while you whisper your lies to those who hear you more clearly," the Lord said. "Making them believe it is Me they are listening to instead of you."

"You have said, it is the choice of men who to listen to," Satan reminded him. "Some will believe in the message they want to hear rather than the message that comes from you. Sometimes even that choice will influence those who more regularly listen to you."

"Some will succeed, others will fail," the Lord agreed. "But I will listen for a change of heart from all men, always."

"A change that will never come if they believe they are listening to you already," Satan predicted.

"We shall see," the Lord said.

And Satan considered again the lives of the men and women he was seeking to influence, considering both bold and subtle approaches in the war being waged for their souls. He searched for opportunities created by the choices each one made, looking for an opportunity not so easily thwarted by the servants of the Lord.

By the time Jalyn and Cadence's family returned to their house, Satan had an idea and sent another of his servants to whisper not only to the young father, but also into the ears of others Jalyn and Cadence held dear.

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