Kuri nodded before extending a hand to me and saying, “Well, let us pray then that you are forever my friend.”
I took his hand and he pulled me up to my feet, “Come, let us move off a ways from the smell of waste that lies around us,” he said, as he grabbed up his pack and started to move off.
“Kuri?”
He stopped and glanced back and I said, “I always want to be your friend Kuri.”
“And so you shall be!”
I broke free of my stance and hurried to catch up with him. As I fell in alongside of him my mind replayed over all that I had seen. After we’d gone several hundred yards Kuri stopped by some dry brush and made a fire.
I looked around, a little surprised that he would welcome more confrontation by making a fire. Then, I heard something in the distance from where we had just come.
“The survivors have come back to eat their own. Fallen creatures are ever opposed to the ways of creation’s foundations. We’re safe here for they have plenty to eat.”
I turned away from the sound of gory carnage and sat down next to the welcoming heat of the fire. I was staring into it reflectively when Kuri asked, “What are your thoughts?”
Surely he must know what they were as I seemed to be nothing but an open scroll before him? Out of respect I responded anyway, “I was imagining what it would be like to be able to do something like what you did back there.” I ducked my head down, slightly embarrassed at the admonition, because I knew I would never be Kuri.
“No, you will never be me, but I’m going to teach you to be like me. With my help and provision from the Most High, there is the likelihood that not only will you do things you have seen me do, but even greater things.”
I looked at him as if he were crazy and asked, “How is that even possible? I know I can never be as good as you.”
“I’m going to help you Benaiah, which means a part of me will be in you and from there, what can man tell in regards to what El Elyon may purpose to come to be? Now go to sleep and dream of the battles to come.”
Obediently I lay down on my side, still watching the flames flicker as they consumed the dry wood.
“I heard you singing and yet it was as if you weren’t. It was like the sound was inside of me like some ancient rhythm, but not confined to me. It was beautiful. It took all my fear away.”
“Go to sleep, Benaiah.”
I closed my eyes and at once I heard the resonance of a melody that had the power of life behind it, which lulled me into a deep sleep almost instantly.
*****
Walking. It was all we did it would seem, but that was not true. Kuri talked. It seemed as if his words never stopped and I did not wish for them to. I was learning so much.
Never had I had so much one on one communication with another individual before. I had grown up largely alone, with little outside exposure to the world around me. It was like I’d been held in the dark for 15 years before experiencing the light of the sun.
Kuri talked of everything from ancient historical events to matters of science and the understanding of the signs of nature all around us. He talked of past battles and even of the former realm of the old kingdom and his people, the Yesathurim.
“Does it bother you Kuri, that your people have fallen on such hard times?”
“More than you can know Benaiah.”
I studied on it a bit before asking, “I know I asked before, but I didn’t understand so I’m asking again. Why, if the Yesathurim are the chosen people, of which you are one, are you having anything to do with me, a stranger?”
“The blessing that was imparted to my people is still one that resounds today. We have a custom that if a stranger wishes to be of our family and observes our ways then we are to adopt him.”
“That’s what you’re doing with me, right?”
“No.”
“No?” I asked puzzled.
“You have no need of adoption as you are already an heir to the promises of Shamayim, because the door was opened long ago by one man’s sacrifice for all, to come and be known of El Elyon as heirs of the Kingdom of Shamayim. If you do that which has been recorded down in the Holy Scrolls and preserved to this day with a faithful heart then you too will see the Kingdom of Shamayim one day. My people, the Yesathurim, are in error, because they have rejected the belief that redemption is available for all and in turn they have rejected El Elyon; for they have rejected the message of the one He sent to sacrifice for all. They now hold to old traditions that are of no effect, as they daily turn their backs on the truth freely given and recorded down for them to read and yet I tell you that they are still El Elyon’s people. The seven Kingdomer nations once bravely put themselves forth in the faith of the new covenant at their birth in the Ruach, which is the Holy Spirit of El Elyon, but now they have largely fallen away from the truths that were entrusted to them. What do you think their position is in the reality of the eternity to come, if El Elyon did not spare the Yesathurim, His chosen people, for their lack of belief, but instead cast them out from His presence?”
“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 en
d?”
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.”
Chapter Four
Faith Walk
One year later
“I’m not ready for this!” I exclaimed loudly.
“Yes you are,” Kuri said calmly.
“No, I’m not!”
“Yes, you are. Now calm yourself and continue on with the exercise.”
I gritted my teeth to bite back any further protest. My nostrils flared wide in search for more air as I focused on moving my foot on the tight rope and inching it onwards a bit further on the rope.
Oh No!!!
“You’re too stiff! Relax your posture and be easier with your breathing,” Kuri called out.
I spared a glance from the rope beneath me to look ahead towards Kuri, “What happens to your plans if I die right now?”
“You’re not going to fall. Come to me. I wouldn’t have put you up to this if I didn’t think you were ready for it.”
I glanced back down to my lifeline and desperately fought to hold steady on it against a sudden updraft of air from the valley below. Sweat was running off me as if I was being rained on. My entire being was sick with the fear that I felt at my current endeavor.
My eyes took in the drop of several hundred feet which formed the narrow mountain gorge between two upthrusts of rock across which was stretched the rope I stood on. There was no soft landing below, only more rock.
I would die if I fell, of that I had no doubts. If I didn’t get off this rope soon I’d become too stiff with fear to even maintain my balance and that would be the end of me.
“Benaiah?”
I looked up to Kuri from my sealed fate that waited below.
“Come.”
I had to get off this rope and somehow he thought I could do it!
I took a big step and then another and another, until in my haste to escape the rope my foot slipped and I fell. I banged up hard against the wall of the cliff and was momentarily puzzled as to why I wasn’t still falling.
In a daze I looked upward and saw that Kuri had a hold of one of my hands.
“I won’t let you fall Benaiah.”
I nodded and he pulled me up the rest of the way. Quickly I crawled away from the cliff’s edge and pressed up against the wall of the ledge that ran along the side of the mountain.
Pulling up my knees I hugged them to me and buried my face against them. My whole body was shaking and even though the day was warm I felt cold. I was such a coward!
“I have something to tell you Benaiah,” Kuri said, as he sat down beside me and stretched out his arm to pull me against his side consolingly.
“It took courage to cross that gorge. You had courage to start out and then to get over halfway across, but then you let the fear of failing get to you and trip you up. At no point were you to be absent of the fear of attempting to cross such a dangerous obstacle, but you let fear control you instead of you controlling it. Next time you’ll do better, because you went farther than you thought you could when you started out. Now there’s less for you to fear on your second attempt.”
“I don’t see it that way,” I said before then adding, “I fell!”
“And I caught you. Next time you won’t fall.”
“I wish I had your confidence about that!” I said with feeling.
“You’ll see.”
“Why does there even need to be a second time of crossing this rope?” I asked hopefully.
“Well, just like with life, it’s a certain fact that you’ll need a liberal application of courage more than once and so is there the possibility of coming to a gorge like this that needs to be crossed.”
I sighed loudly. There was no way around my mentor’s devised strategies or plans for my advancement into learning to be like him. It was a very hard journey.
I deeply wanted to learn and excel at everything that he was teaching me, but why did it have to be this hard?
“Come along Benaiah. There’s something I want to show you.”
Kuri was on his feet and pulling me up to mine. He started out along the ledge above the cliff and I followed along, curious to know what it was he would show me.
We had lived for a year now in the lower slopes of the Holy Mountains. During that time we had never ventured farther into the mountains than we were now.
The trail curved out of view and rounding the corner I gasped at the sight of what was revealed. In direct contrast with the desert sands that lapped up against the base of the mountains all along the northern front, I now found myself gazing down into a garden paradise of vivid greenery.
Nestled in amongst the lofty peaks lay a large continuous valley that was more lushly green than I had ever before seen in nature. While I didn’t know much about the topography of Ayenathurim as a whole I did know some, and to date I had never heard of this place.
I turned my shocked eyes to Kuri’s and was surprised to see that he was gazing down into the idyllic valley with an unsmiling gaze that bordered on anger. What would move him to be angry in the face of such beauty as existed in the mountain valley below us?
I had come to trust Kuri’s instincts on all things so I looked at the valley more closely, in particular the open stretches of terrain not covered by verdant tree canopies. I soon picked out the shapes of moving objects in the lush grass of the valley. There were a lot of something and they were big!
For the distant objects to look so big so far away must mean that they were absolutely huge up close. Kuri, in a grim tone, spoke into my study of the valley and its huge occupants, “This place, like so many others, was once a paradise, but now it has become corrupted. Some of the creatures that you see are of fallen Malachim design. They are a plague to the higher-order creatures that were given this valley as their home. There is a war going on down there. A war between simple animals perhaps, on the surface, but a war between good and evil at its heart. The evil kinds are trying to devour and drive out all the good that remains in this valley. You’ve completed your first year of training and now it’s time to begin the next.”
I turned my eyes from the valley to Kuri, even as I prayed that he wasn’t going to say what I knew he was. His eyes were confirmation enough and his words were only a mere formality for what I knew was coming, “Over the next year you and I and the created higher-order kinds of pure blood that remain within the valley are going to kill and drive out all the unclean flesh that has made this sacred valley their home. Light cannot coexist with darkness. Even so, t
hat which is of El Elyon has no place with being mixed with the abominations of darkness’s delight.”
I looked away from Kuri to the valley below once more. In my mind’s eye, a valley of idyllic beauty populated with the fallen Malachim's created monsters made the gorge back in the mountains behind me look like a thing of child’s play. As if in tune with my thoughts I heard the roar of one of the monsters from the valley below echo up to us.
“Come along Benaiah. We need to get back to camp so we can pack up and move into the valley in the morning.”
Kuri headed back the way we had just come and with my mouth suddenly dry I asked, “Isn’t there another way that we can go back to camp?”
Kuri never stopped walking as he called out, “This is the straightest path to our destination. There is no sense in diverging from it.”
Oh I could beg to differ with that, but I kept my thoughts to myself and obediently followed. With the coming task at hand looming large I nonetheless retracted my thought of crossing the tight rope as being a thing of mere child’s play.
It took everything within me just to dare myself to cross such an obstacle again. How was I going to be able to kill monsters, if the current task before me was too great for me to accomplish?
Kuri seemed to think I was up for this so, armed with that confidence, I started out on the rope that was now stretched out before me. In a way, I guess I had to first conquer my own fears and bring them into subjection before I could face a monster that invoked fear just by the sight of it.
The task at hand was not easy, but it helped to look away from the gorge below to Kuri up ahead on the other side, confidently waiting for me to join him. I made it across in half the time and I didn’t fall this time.
Even though Kuri hadn’t had to catch me, it seemed as though the magnetized power of his gaze had helped pull me across my worst fear to date.
*****
I stared into the campfire somberly. This was to be our last night on the outer reaches of the mountains. I’d been here a year already and yet the time had seemed to fly.
During that time we hadn’t encountered so much as one person. That was all right by me. Well, mostly all right.
A persistent ache seized hold of my mind. It would’ve been nice to see a girl.
I’d seen so few of them in my life, as I’d rarely had the chance to leave the farm, but I remembered what they looked like. Memories however were no substitute for reality.