THE REALM

Chapter Ten

  "A precarious one," I said softly.

  "It is. Look around you, Benaiah, and see the devastation of this former kingdom dedicated from its foundation to the Most High. Even as it was not spared, neither will the Kingdomer Nations who choose not to believe the truth that they were given be spared."

  An involuntary shiver coursed through me at the thought of that and I asked, "The seven kingdoms…… it's as I've heard then? They have all fallen away?"

  "Many have, some Kingdomer Nations more so than others, but there are still those who remain who believe. This is what I have heard."

  "Haven't you recently been in the seven kingdoms or at least near them?" I asked, surprised.

  "No, I've been away."

  "Away?"

  "Yes, to the East beyond the wilderness and the forests of Darkor."

  My jaw fell open in astonishment, "I've never heard tell of a land beyond the forest of Darkor, much less of any man to have made such a journey!"

  "And you won't, for I am the only such man to have done so."

  "I don't understand."

  "You will. Benaiah you must listen to me when I tell you that the time has grown short. Ayenathurim will not go on much longer as it always has up until now."

  "You're saying that our world of Ayenathurim is going to be destroyed?" I asked incredulously.

  "Not yet, but an era of its history is coming to an end and after this present era is over there are but two more before eternity begins and one of those two eras of time has been shortened. The time is short and there is much work to be done before the Ruach is gone from the world."

  We walked on in silence for a while, which Kuri broke by pointing off to the East saying, "In that direction there lies a way of gaining access to the Kingdom of Shamayim, a kingdom that shall never fall. The way is open to all who believe the truth written within the holy scrolls and trust in it. Many have gone already who believed and died in the faith, but one day many shall walk into it who have never died. The prophecies of the holy scrolls are being fulfilled as we speak and I tell you plainly Benaiah, that the generation of your father will not pass before all these things are accomplished."

  "You're telling me that I will live to see that day, when the Kingdom becomes open to those who believe and yet live here on Ayenathurim?"

  "Yes."

  There was silence for a while, which Kuri broke, "Tell me Benaiah, do you doubt what I have told you?"

  Incredible as it sounded I said, "No."

  Kuri nodded, "That is good. There is much work to be done and I would have you as my helper to see that the lost are reached, the weak defended, and those who are poor cared for. It is a heavy responsibility that I ask of you, to join me in such work, but the rewards are eternal and far outweigh any praise or treasure that is to be gained in this present world. Are you with me to that end?"

  I nodded without hesitation.

  Kuri nodded and pointed to the south, "Our work together begins there. To the south of us are the Holy Mountains. When we get to the mountains I will begin to teach you, over a course of three years, all that you will need to know to do the work that will be assigned to you. At some point we will journey out from the mountains and go into Nicationer and Kingdomer nations alike in order to complete your training."

  Beyond humbled, I simply nodded in astonishment at the honor bestowed upon me by this great man, who was equipping me to be his helper in reaching the lost people of Ayenathurim and bringing them back into the fortress of El Elyon's love.

  "When will we reach the mountains?" I asked.

  Kuri stopped and regarded me speculatively before asking, "Are you ready for more?"

  "I think so," I said hesitantly.

  He smiled and said, "Take my hand."

  I obeyed instantly and my eyes closed as I felt the song of life course into me from the contact of his hand with mine. Within the corridors of my soul I heard a voice say, "Even now and forever more the Spirit of El Elyon will reside in you. Take heed, for the Ruach will instruct you of all My ways and be your comfort in peace and in war."

  I opened my eyes, which were wet with tears, only to see that I was not where I had been before. I was high up on the side of a mountain, almost within the clouds that obscured the summits of what must be the Holy Mountains.

  In astonishment I looked at Kuri and he smiled as he said, "Your training starts now."