Journey of a Soul

Chapter 21

Tamara was very excited. The day had finally come. She had all the goodies she needed for tonight's soul retrieval packed in a special box to bring with her. Quickly double-checking her list for anything that she might have missed. Dang, I forgot the incense. Going over to the cabinet in her office, she pulled out a couple of Satya Sai Baba – Nag Champa incense sticks. Everything in hand, Tamara put her coat and boots on and left for Reverend Hawthorne's place.

Lexi was driving up to the Funeral Home as Tamara was getting out of her car.

Tamara waited for Lexi so that they could walk in together. "Good evening, Lexi. Wow, this place never ceases to amaze me.

Lexi was so nervous for tonight's event to proceed. "Hi Tamara, I know, right? I am so excited for tonight. Wow, that's a pretty box." She was looking at a beautiful wood carved box, with embedded gems that sparkled in the night as the light from the lamp post shone brightly on them.

"Me too. It is so incredible that the Reverend is offering his spiritual knowledge to help us. The power of three, well the power of three plus the angels and God, is just what we need if we are going to get Susannah out of the Void." Chatting, they walked together up to the front entrance.

Edward was there opening the doors even before they knocked. He was a bit anxious for tonight's soul retrieval. He had never tried to summon a spirit before and was not even sure if this was sacrilege or heresy. Probably both. "Welcome, ladies, please come in."

He led them into a counseling room just to the left of the entrance. Inside was a burgundy crushed velvet semicircle couch facing the opposite wall, taking up most of the space. With a few small pillows thrown randomly on it. The walls were covered in oak wood, from floor to ceiling, stained in dark cherry color. Beautifully carved wood columns, one on each side of the door, stood as if they were protecting the entrance from the inside.

Amazing art hung on all four walls. Three of the walls held paintings. As you looked closer, you could see the signatures on each. They were all by famous artists; Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt.

Tamara stood transfixed, staring at the fourth wall in particular. She could not believe her eyes. She had seen it in the Vatican, in Italy. A replica of 'The Resurrection of Christ,' the most magnificent tapestry she had ever seen. Two disciples, one on either side of a table, with Jesus at its head. Their eyes and the table follow you as you walked past.

She remembered walking back and forth many times, being mesmerized by Jesus's piercing gaze, watching you as you walked past. Such a fantastic miracle of artistic ability and illusionism, especially for that era.

Edward walked over to Tamara and said, "My great, great grandfather was fascinated by the European Old Master Artists. Beautiful, isn't it?" Taking a moment to enjoy the work of art, he turned from the tapestry and said, "Come have a seat over here."

Like coming out of an enchanted spell, Tamara came back to the moment, "Yes... yes, right." Taking a seat next to Lexi. "Thank you, Reverend, for having us here."

"Please, call me Edward."

"Thank you, Edward. Do you have the items I asked for?"

"Yes." Edward got up and went over to a small table. Picking the table up and everything on it. He brought it closer to them.

Sitting on top, was a beautiful white candle standing in an ornate silver base that could burn for a full 24 hours. Two matching small glass pitchers, one contained holy water and the other blessed oil. He lit the candle and had a seat.