ANGEL OF JUSTICE (2014 revised)

Chapter Fifty Seven - Destiny Awaits

Destiny Awaits

Lieutenant James opened his eyes to see the multitude of black tents silhouetted against the flames of distant campfires. The enemy soldiers were restless and James felt an air of expectation instead of the usual peace of a sleeping camp in the early hours before dawn. Even the bay gelding he rode lifted its head as if it too sensed something strange. James stroked its neck and looked around to get his bearings.

"I too have yet to figure out exactly how we got here so quickly my friend. Much less how we are going to get through that army, cross the river and get into the citadel without being killed."

The horse swung its head from side to side as if he too knew it was a suicide mission his rider was heading them into.

"We only left the fort what seems a few days ago, yet here we are barely an hour outside the enemy encampment. It should have taken us at least ten days to return home and yet I have no memory of the journey other than the destroyed villages we passed."

The horse snickered in agreement. James flexed the gloved hand unconsciously. It pulsated warmly sending a tingling sensation sweeping over his body. An image came forth of the Cardinian landscape rushing past in a blur and was followed by a glimpse of the glove's ancient power that had surrounded James and his horse in a magical fold of sleep that carried them in a journey of altered time. Somehow James knew the glove was responsible for him getting back to the citadel several days sooner than he knew was possible to travel. Even if a horse was capable of galloping the entire distance without stopping, James knew it still would have taken at least five days, possibly more. But here he was about to enter the enemy camp with the dawn about to unfold and both he and his horse were as fresh as when they first set out.

"We are crazy sons of bitches you and I, old fella to think we can do this, much less get away with it."

You are the destined one, James. Your path has always been tied to the citadel and the Lord of the Bridge.

I was wondering when I'd hear voices again, I was starting to get lonely, sun Dragon.

You will not be alone for long.

What's that suppose to mean? Are you going to join me in this crazy venture?

I have always been here beside you James. Your destiny, as mine was written in the stars by the gods at the dawn of time. One can only heed the calling or chose to ignore it.

James looked down at the glove. As with every time he heard the voice in his head, the gloves grey gem would light up into a brilliant blue before shimmering into the golden eye of the dragon. Its life like image still caused a shiver to chill his bones at the sight every time it occurred. There was no doubting that the glove was a powerful artefact from the time of the gods. He still hadn't given up the possibility that he was slowly going crazy.

Fulfilling who you are born to be is the hardest thing anyone can do. Believe in your destiny and the Pantheon order will be there to aid you.

I'm glad you have such great pearls of wisdom to impart before I tempt suicide.

You will succeed if that is your desire, James.

I desire little besides a hot meal, a hot shower and for this enemy to be gone from my kingdom.

Then make it so, James.

That is easy for you to say, you're just a voice in my head.

Yet so much more will you soon discover.

The golden orb in the glove's palm blinked before returning to the lifeless cold grey gem.

"If only it was so easy to share your sense of optimism, Sun Dragon."