Door to Kandalaura (11 page)

“Amen!” said Dad.

When Mom said she felt called to pray, the word call struck a chord in me. Suddenly
I remembered what Jesus had said about having a job He wanted me to do. I explained
to my parents what He said about the spiritual gifts and how I would know what to
do shortly after my arrival back home.

“Mom, as you were talking about how you felt called to pray, it's like I suddenly
know what God is calling me to do. He said I'd know, and now I do. I'm going to write.
God is calling me to be a writer!

“I'll write about Andron and our adventures on Kandalaura. I'll tell how his people
communicate with each other and describe all the animals. Then I'll explain about
live worship and tell everyone about the Glory Pond. My encounter with Jesus will
be a whole chapter in itself.
They've got to know how real he is and how much he
loves them.”

“That's wonderful, son. You're just the one to do it. I know you'll do a good job.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I said. “Jesus said I would know, and now it's all clear. I even know
what to call it. These writings will be called “the Kandalaura Chronicles.”

Mom and Dad were excited for me. They both started clapping.

That night was a historical night for my family. We would never be the same. I had
a strong feeling of God's destiny over all three of us. I knew I had to trust Him
for whatever happened.

But there was a huge aching in my heart to return to Kandalaura and see Andron and
his family again. It was like the fire I felt inside of me before the first trip.
Somehow I knew it wouldn't stop until it happened again, and I was counting on it
with all of my being. I told my parents it was Kandalaura fever. Perhaps it will
be with me till I get to heaven, and maybe even after that. Who knows? Only God knows!

Chapter 15

CREATURE KIDNAPS TODDLER

I
T
WAS
AT
least a month later and way past midnight when I was awakened by stones
pelting my bedroom window. “What in the world?” I asked myself as I raced to the
window. There was Andron, standing below my window. He pointed to the back door and
I ran to let him in.

“Andron,” I said. “What are you doing here this time of the night?”

“I need you to come,” he said.

“I don't understand. How could you possibly need me to come now?” I asked.

“It's the creature,” he said. “I know he's lying, but he
claims that one of our toddlers
has wandered over to his side of the planet, and he wants someone to come retrieve
him. You know what that means. If we believe the creature instead of Jesus, we'll
give him authority to rule over us. Kandalaura will be changed forever just like
your Garden of Eden.”

“But what can I do?” I stammered. No sooner had the words come out of my mouth than
I knew in an instant what to do.

“See the eagle,” I shouted. “The eagle knows. He saw the creature drop the child
off somewhere on a mountainside. I can see it all very clearly in my mind, but I
don't know exactly where it is. You have to find the eagle. He'll show you.”

“Mikey, do you get what just happened? That was a word of knowledge given to you
by the Holy Spirit,” said Andron. “Remember when Jesus said the Holy Spirit would
give you spiritual gifts?”

“Wow! It happened so fast I didn't even think about it. But Andron, now that you
have that word, all you have to do is summon the eagle. He'll show you where the
little guy is, and you'll simply take him back to his parents. Problem solved.”

“Maybe not without a fight,” said Andron. “The creature is determined to lure someone
to his side.”

“He has no authority over you,” I said.

“You have the Holy Spirit giving you confidence,” he said. “What if he takes the
child away? I must not cross over. I need you to be there as a backup. Come with
me. We can be back by morning.”

I can't go without speaking to my parents first,” I stated.

“Yes, you must honor them,” he said.

So I approached my parents' bedroom and knocked quietly on the door.

“What is it?” I heard my mother say.

“I need to talk to you and Dad. Andron is here. May we come in?” I asked.

Now Dad was awake. “What is it, son?” he asked. “Is something wrong?”

“There's an emergency on Kandalaura, and Andron wants me to come help.” I spit out
the problem as quickly as I could and Dad responded.

“Andron,” he said, “I have every confidence that you can handle this on your own.
Are you sure you need Mikey?”

“Only as reinforcement, sir,” he responded. “This is a huge test for our people.
We mustn't take any chances.”

“I see,” said Dad. He and Mom talked it over alone for a few minutes before giving
us their answer.

“Mikey, we think you should go,” said Dad. “But under the circumstances, we'd feel
better if you could return by morning, assuming all goes well.”

“OK, Dad. That's what we'll do,” I said.

I actually had it in the back of my mind to do some more swimming at Dolphin Bay
and a few other things, but I didn't want them to worry. I'd come right back. We
hugged good-bye. I changed my clothes and we headed for the backyard.

When we got there, I couldn't see the transport. “Where is it?” I asked.

“Hang on to my arm,” said Andron.

The next thing I knew, I was being sucked into some kind of tunnel at an amazing
speed. In a matter of seconds, my feet were planted firmly on Kandalaura.

“What was that?” I gasped.

“That was God transporting us immediately from one
place to another, just like the
story of Philip and the eunuch in your Bible,” said Andron.

“Goodness,” I said. “You sure know my Bible. Why didn't God do that the first time,
and why didn't you warn me?”

“Number one,” said Andron, “He didn't need to, and number two: I didn't want you
to be afraid. Come on. Time is of the essence. I'll round up the horses.”

Being carried off like that may not have seemed unusual to Andron, but for me, it
was a first. Amazing as it was, it was also a bit scary. I had no idea what was going
on till we landed on Kandalaura.

It was good to see Kandaletta again. If a horse's eyes can light up, hers sure did.

“I told you I'd be back,” I said, patting her on the neck and climbing on.

“Full speed, Lightning,” Andron shouted to his shiny black stallion. “We're off to
find that eagle.”

Night flying on Kandalaura was different than flying during the day. Even though
it's not as dark there at night, there are no street lights to help you see where
you're going. I was at the mercy of my faithful steed.

Andron filled me in about talking to the boy's parents before coming for me. He told
them we'd be bringing their son home soon.

After flying a few miles, he let out a shrill whistle and called out for the eagle.
Within minutes our eagle friend arrived. He flew alongside us as Andron communicated
to him exactly what we needed him to do. As it turned out, he had seen the creature
and would take us to the place where he last saw him.

Flying in front of us, the eagle led us to a steep mountainside covered with trees.
Further up were huge boulders and a few caves here and there. It was exactly like
what I had seen in my vision. We thanked the eagle and landed in a small clearing.

Andron began shouting Timmy's name. No answer.

“I think we need to climb up past the trees toward the boulders,” I suggested. We
moved further up, and Andron hollered Timmy's name again. No response. We climbed
higher, slowly leading our horses. He hollered again. This time we heard a faint
response.

“I over here,” came the answer, and there was a slight echo.

“Keep talking, Timmy,” said Andron. The horses' ears perked up and they led us past
huge boulders to the mouth of a cave. Andron called again. Little Timmy came running
out as fast as he could and climbed into Andron's arms.

“There you are,” said Andron. He looked to be about two years old, a cute little
guy with blonde, curly hair and big brown eyes. “What are you doing up here all by
yourself?” asked Andron.

“Creature say he want to play, had something to show me. Then he leave.” Timmy looked
over and spotted me. “Hi Mikey!” he shouted. “You come play with Timmy?”

“Not exactly,” I said. “That creature didn't really tell the truth about coming to
play. We've come to take you home to Mommy and Daddy.”

“That good,” said Timmy. “I hungry.”

We'll mount our horses and have you there in no time,” said Andron.

“Not so fast!” screeched a voice that seemed to come out of nowhere.

We looked up and saw the creature hovering alongside the cliff. Then he toned down
his voice and became sickeningly sweet. “Surely you don't think that I would do
harm to this little one. You know how much I love little children.”

“The eagle saw what you did,” said Andron. “Don't try to stop us. We're taking Timmy
home where he belongs.”

“Now, now,” said the creature. “Let's not be so touchy.” Then the creature looked
right at me, blinking his huge black eyes and long lashes. He seemed to think I was
pretty stupid, and that I would fall for his sudden change in voice.

“Well, earthling,” he said. “How nice of you to pay us another visit. I trust you
have more common sense than your friend here.” His syrupy talk disgusted me.

“Frankly, the sight of you sickens my stomach,” I said. “You're the king of lies
and full of deceit. I hate you with a passion.” My voice got louder and louder. ”I
hate everything you do. There's nothing good in you at all!”

This enraged the creature. “You can't talk to me like that!” he yelled. His voice
carried so much anger that it reverberated throughout the canyon.

“We're taking the child back, and you can't stop us,” I declared.

“Leave, earthling. You have no authority here,” hissed the creature.

“The same Jesus who's over Kandalaura is over me,” I said. “And he's given me authority
over you.”

Green slime began seething out of the creature's beak. His black eyes bugged out
of his head. They were twice the size of normal.

“Run, earthling,” he cantered, “while you still can.”

“Not a chance,” I said. “I came on a mission and I intend to see it through.”

“Have it your way, but you'll see. You'll be broken into a thousand pieces on those
rocks,” he said, looking down
the canyon wall. “Do you want the child to see that?”
he screamed.

Soon inky black clouds of smoke surrounded him. The air began to smell putrid, like
sulfur. Fire shot out of his mouth. As he flew high into the air, dark clouds covered
him. I hoped he was leaving.

Andron knew better. He took Timmy back inside the cave.

Suddenly the creature swooped down like a bolt of lightning. His speed created a
huge gust of wind that nearly blew me off the mountainside. Through the thick fog
of black smoke, I could see that he was no longer a dazzling bird. He was changing
into something black and terrible.

I sensed imminent danger. My body began to tremble. “What's happening?” I asked.
“Jesus!” I cried out. “Help me! I can't do this alone!”

The creature flew up and swooped down again. His form was clear now. His fury had
caused him to come unglued. He overplayed his hand, and I could see him for what
he really was.

I was now facing a huge black dragon. His scaly tail switched back and forth in front
of my face. I wished that I had been holding a sword in my hand. I'd have sliced
that tail right off.

That gave me an idea, a Jesus idea. I knew it came from the Holy Spirit, and that
in itself strengthened me. When Jesus faced the enemy, He didn't have a physical
sword. He used the Word of God as a sword—the sword of the Spirit. I was in a spiritual
battle, and I understood that I must rely on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
I asked the Holy Spirit to strengthen me and show me what to do.

Instantly I understood the power of the spoken Word of God. That's what Jesus used
when he faced the enemy. I
trusted the Holy Spirit to give me the right words. It
was my only hope.

The monster came as close as he could, breathing fire in my face.

I stood my ground, knowing what the serpent had done in Earth's Garden of Eden. This
creature's disguise as a beautiful bird hadn't fooled me one bit. I knew who he was
and what he was about. I was determined that this unmasked ball of fury would not
win.