Empress Aurora Trilogy Quest For the Kingdom Parts I, II, and III Revised With Index (Quest For the Kingdom Set) (21 page)

The evening
was fine, with soft breezes and a mild warmth typical of a spring day in May.
They were cordially welcomed by Kyrene’s father Philokrates and her mother
Eunike, both of whom Marcus liked on sight. Philokrates still had the military
bearing of a warrior, and possessed a direct gaze that seemed to assess, rather
than challenge, any new acquaintance. Eunike exuded the same warmth as her
daughter, and had an air of unruffled serenity that appealed to Marcus. It
became clear when conversing over dinner that Kyrene had inherited her mother’s
love of beauty and the arts, and a touch of her father’s feistiness and
adventurous spirit. After they had dined with her parents the little band
adjourned with Kyrene to the garden to enjoy the cool of the day.

As far as the garden
was concerned, Marcus found it to be far less formal than his father’s yet with
a quiet charm that he found refreshing. One descended to it from the bricked
path that bordered the wall surrounding the house. Steps of red brick with a
ledge to support one’s hands led downward to another path. Trailing vines
cascaded down on each side of the path, stone borders lining the way.

Ferns rippled
here and there along the path which wound in a series of steps that led to
another bricked wall. In the wall was a door. As Kyrene opened the door, they
passed beneath yet more trailing vines and stepped into a small courtyard.

The path was
lined with tall spiky grasses and exotic plants the like of which Marcus had
never seen. They towered over their heads with large leaves of a fan shape. He
heard the sound of water, and discovered a stream flowing over rocks in a
trough made of brick. It flowed into a small pond surrounded by large rocks. In
the pond were lily pads, the only flower to be seen in the garden. All else was
green: plants, ferns, grasses, and trailing vines. The effect was cool and tranquil.

A few trees
grew in the garden, and from one hung a curious stringed instrument that Kyrene
called a wind harp. When the breeze struck it just right, she explained, the
strings moved and made an unearthly music. At such times, she said, she felt as
if she had been treated to a foretaste of heavenly music to come.

She invited
them to sit on the many stone benches that were strewn about. They then noticed
that Xenon was already there and seated. He rose with the slowness of his
advanced age to greet them and moved to speak.

“My young
friends,” he said, “this day you have all begun new lives. However, there is
more for you to taste of the joys of the Kingdom to come.”

He motioned
for them to follow, and he led them still further down the bricked path onto
steps that descended into a small pool of water, fed by the stream that flowed
into and out of the rock pond. One by one they followed Xenon. He walked down
the steps into the pool.

“Alexandros
laid down His life that we who believe might enjoy it forever. Just as Tychon
and Chloe fell from grace and tasted death by bathing in the Waterfall of
Wisdom, so we must be born anew and have our old life and its wrongs washed away.
As we descend into the waters, we leave our old self and our old ways behind.
As we rise from the waters, we are risen with Alexandros and begin a new life
as did He when He rose from the tomb.”

He beckoned,
and one by one they descended into the pool, Xenon raised them in newness of
life. Marcus felt a tingling over his entire body. He actually
felt
cleaner, and lighter of heart.

As the water
streamed over him, he found himself breathing a prayer of thanksgiving to
Dominio. It astonished him that he, Marcus Maximus, who this morning had
believed in nothing, in no one, should so quickly have his life transformed.

He noticed
that the others had similar expressions on their faces, as though a burden had
been removed that had weighted them down. Even the impassive Dag came up from
the waters with a smile that rivaled the setting sun in its brilliance. Fanchon
laughed and shook her wet curls, while Cort gasped at the cold water, then
wrung out his sopping robe. Felix, however, emerged with a look of unearthly peace
that transformed his face with an almost divine beauty.

After the last
one had been immersed and raised, a gentle breeze sprang up. The scent of
lilies floated from the rock pond as the light flow of the air current rippled
the water. They burst into laughter, lifting their hearts as well.

Then the harp
began to sing, softly at first, then picking up intensity as the breeze grew
stronger. Each heard in the harp a different song, one known only to
themselves, and no other.

For Marcus, it
was a song of yearning, of a longing buried deep in his heart. Felix heard a
voice calling to him, one he had never heard fully by day, but had, on
occasion, in the depths of night, whispered in his ear, when rousing from a
deep sleep.

Cort felt the
same enchantment that gripped him in a spell when the Lights of Rainbow Hue
dazzled his homeland on a winter night. Dag heard the voice of birdsong in spring
woods that followed on the heels of the ice-covered tree limbs clacking their
frozen boughs in the harshness of a winter morn. Kyrene heard the promise of
hope fulfilled after treading in the valley of despair.

But for
Fanchon it was a song of joy, a cause for celebration.

She jumped to
her feet and started to twirl, to skip and to leap. She grabbed the hands of a
mildly protesting Dag and whirled him into the dance with her. Reluctant at
first, he soon cast off his habitual reserve and was swept up into the freedom
of the dance.

Kyrene laughed
and pulled Felix to her side. Whirl, twist, bend, leap. They yanked first
Marcus and then Cort along with them, and they spun in a circle, then joined
hands with Dag and Fanchon.

They danced
around the garden, united as one in the song of the harp. Elation filled their
hearts and spontaneous words of praise to Dominio erupted from their lips as
they sang in exaltation. Then as the revelation struck them, they were
overjoyed. For they had indeed received the Spirit of Dominio.

They danced,
laughed and sang in sheer happiness until they could stand no longer. So they
sank onto the benches and beamed at one another, exhilarated by the experience
they had just shared.

Marcus glanced
around at those about him and realized that each was suddenly very precious to
him. Felix, of course, was his best friend. But Marcus reflected on how more
than once over the last few months, Felix had saved them from peril by his
quick wit and keen intelligence.

Dag, now
there
was a man who was a
man
. Not an elegant gentleman, nor a brutal bully, but
a man strong yet gentle, as sturdy as an oak tree, as tender as a hen with her
chicks. In his case, one chick, young Cort, and a truly affectionate and loyal
lad he had proved over the journey, and one who lifted the hearts of those
around him with his demonstrative, loving nature.

And even
Fanchon seemed merely full of life and high spirits, and not the annoying
prattler who had so irritated him on occasion. Kyrene was as yet unknown to
him, yet already he felt a bond with her, as the affinity of one kindred spirit
with another.

And it was
this sudden sense of charity toward his fellow man, and affection for those who
had been but fellow travelers on a grueling journey, that proved, even more
than the new joy in his heart, that Marcus Maximus had
indeed
received
the promise of power from on high through the Spirit of Dominio.

As they
climbed the hill leading to Xenon’s house, Marcus and his friends fell into
conversation regarding the occurrences of the past few weeks, and all they had
learned from Xenon concerning the teachings of Alexandros. Daily he taught them
from scrolls of parchment that contained the wealth of wisdom His Master had
imparted to him and his fellow believers.

Written on
these scrolls, Xenon said, was everything a believer needed to learn in order
to lead a life pleasing to Dominio. More precious than jewels they were, said
Xenon. If the Kingdom of Heaven contained any rules a citizen had to live by it
was these: never return evil for evil, but turn the other cheek; do good to
those who hate you; bless those who curse you; do unto others as you would have
them do unto you; if you have two cloaks give to him who has none.

All of this
had they been taught by Xenon. For all of them it was a concept that was hard
to fathom. What man, questioned Dag, would turn his cheek to one who struck
him? In Trekur Lende to do so would lead to doubt if one
was
a man! Cort
agreed; no man ran from a fight in Trekur Lende, but rose up to meet it.

Felix heartily
concurred with the teachings of charity; his family had always been generous to
the poor. Marcus, however, struggled with returning an insult with kindness. No
one with any proper pride would abide such a thing. Certainly the son of
Valerius Maximus would not!

Fanchon alone
offered no comment or protest. She saw nothing wrong in such teaching, she
said. For in Gaudereaux the purpose of life was to enjoy oneself, and how could
one enjoy life if one fought with others, no? Such a silly waste. Why not get
along and be happy? Live, love, and laugh; that was
her
motto!

Marcus
reflected on this statement. It almost made sense, he thought. It was much more
reasonable to get along than to fight. But surely, he reasoned to himself,
there were times when fighting was the only course available? When no other
response would do? After all, it was unthinkable for the son of the commander
of the Imperial Army to run from a fight!

They stood at
the door of Xenon’s house. Before they could knock, the door opened to reveal
his face smiling a warm welcome.

“Come, come,
my friends!” he beamed. “We have much to learn today. It is time to equip you
for your journey.”

One by one
they entered, each bowing from the waist with hands folded before them in the
manner he taught them; then each raised their left hand to their forehead, then
to their lips. It was a gesture, Xenon explained, that meant: “Master, I bow in
honor to you, make my hands an instrument for service, teach me the knowledge
that gives true wisdom, that I may speak the words of life.”

They seated
themselves in a semi-circle on the floor around him as he sat in a chair. Xenon
had other chairs available for their use, but he explained that this posture
was important in their education. It denoted an attitude of submission to the
teacher, without which growth was impossible.

For without
humility, the words of life could not be deeply planted in their hearts. It
would, instead, be rejected as a seed loose in the soil is washed away by the
first rain storm. One must till deep in the soil for the seed to take root, he
said. Thus it was with human hearts and the teachings of Alexandros.

Marcus alone
seemed distracted as they took their places. Xenon noted his absent look and
inquired regarding the reason.

Marcus
hesitated, fearing that what he wanted to say was impolite and might give
offense. But he decided it was best to be honest.

“To tell the
truth, Xenon, it is the matter of some of the teachings of Alexandros. I have
no quarrel to sharing what I possess with those who are less fortunate; nor
with treating others as I would wish to be treated. But it is the matter of
turning the other cheek that I object to; for in my land a man who did thus
would be counted weak; and how can one bless those who curse them: of what good
is that? Surely such an action would be wasted on one who hates you. Why, a man
would be laughed at by his foes!”

Xenon looked
at Marcus long and intently, his head to one side as if considering his words.
For several minutes he was silent. Then he spoke.

“Marcus, have
I taught you these past weeks yet you have not understood? It was never the
intention of Dominio for men to fight one another, nor to go to war with one
another. Such evil was born only after the Fall of Man, when men grew jealous
and envious of one another, just as Leon did before them. It was the desire of
Dominio’s heart for His creation to live in peace and harmony together, as one
family.

“When you
return good for evil, when you turn the other cheek to those who strike you,
when you bless those who curse you, you place yourself in subjection to the
rule of Dominio. By obeying His laws and enforcing them in your response to
your enemies, you are advancing His Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. You represent
Dominio and His nature when you treat your enemies as you would those you love.
For you bear His image and reveal His glory to those He created and longs to be
reconciled with. And the instrument of His reconciliation is
you
.”

Marcus
returned Xenon’s steady gaze. But his heart was still not satisfied. For didn’t
a man have his dignity to defend?

“No, Xenon, I
feel that will not suffice. For if a man does not raise a hand in his defense
against evil, he may lose his life.”

“And a man
shall
lose his life if he tries to save it!” Xenon exclaimed. “For if a man returns
evil for evil, he is no longer a glory bearer in the image of Dominio. He has,
instead, chosen to cast his lot with Leon, just as the Astra did. And as Tychon
and Chloe before you. He obeys the laws of the kingdom of darkness, and does
not represent the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Marcus
objected.

“That is a
hard saying, Xenon,” he huffed and tightened his lips.

“Yes, it
is
a hard saying. But there it is.”

Silence
prevailed in the room. Marcus sighed deeply, then glanced at Felix, who
shrugged his shoulders. Of what use was all of the practice with the sword, if
they were never to use one? they asked one another without uttering a word.

Xenon
chuckled, then shook his head.

“Not to worry,
young Marcus Maximus. You will have your fight. Only it shall not be with flesh
and blood. For that is not your real enemy. The battle you seek will be waged
upon you. For there is an enemy who is determined to stop you, who will never
rest until he steals your heart, kills your life, and destroys your destiny.”

Marcus lifted
his head and glanced inquiringly at Xenon. Then comprehension dawned on his
face.

“Leon,” he
stated.

“And the Astra
who followed him in the Great Rebellion,” confirmed Xenon. “For they roam the
Earth seeking whom they may devour. You do not have to look hard for them, or
search them out.

“For they are
everywhere: they lurk in the hills, roam among the trees, and wage war upon the
Alexandrians out of the willing hearts of men whose hearts are darkened in
their understanding. They cannot see the light, for their minds have been
blinded by Leon. They see not, they hear not, and they cannot believe for they
cannot comprehend.”

“Then how can
they know and be saved?” Felix burst out.

“There is a
way,” Xenon answered him. “It is of that which I wish to speak.”

Xenon paused
and closed his eyes. For a moment he sat completely still with head bowed, as
if in prayer. Then he lifted his head and looked in turn at each of the young,
expectant faces around him.

“Until now, I
have shared with you only of the love that Dominio bears His creation, and His
longing for reconciliation. Yet there is more to the life of an Alexandrian
than that. For the goal of your instruction is to advance His Kingdom, taking
back those who have been stolen away by the enemy.

“And yet, I
tell you the truth, there is no foe more perilous than the enemy within. You
will never defeat the kingdom of darkness unless you conquer the chambers of
your own heart.

“For we all
have sinned and gone our own way, and that, in time, bears a bitter fruit.
Salvation is the cleansing of your sin, but sanctification is the yielding of
your heart, the surrender of its own desires.

“You must take
back the places where you have allied yourself with the god of this world
before you can advance the Kingdom of Heaven, and occupy new territory for
Alexandros.”

Xenon paused
and searched the eyes of all. As if satisfied of their true comprehension, he
continued.

“Only after
every chamber of your heart belongs completely to Dominio and He rules in you,
can you meet Leon in combat without fear of destruction.

“Arm yourself:
for your enemy will stalk you as the lion haunts the steps of the gazelle,
untiring in his pursuit. He is as vicious in his ferocity as a lion pouncing
upon his prey. And he is as tenacious in his hold on your heart and his
territory as a lion who takes the young in a death grip, not letting go until
it struggles no more.”

The room was
utterly still. Even Fanchon, Marcus noted, was silent. But after all, what
did
one say after such a statement as this?

“And yet,”
continued Xenon, “you are not defenseless in your struggle to overcome the evil
one. For there is armor available to you, to protect yourself from the
strategies of the evil one, and weapons you can wield to wage war upon him.

“To stand
against your enemy you must arm yourselves with these truths, which will
protect you from all harm. You must, first of all, be true: true to the One who
loves you above all else, and you must
be
who you say you are. For it is
the tree that is rotten within its core that the bolts of lightning brings
down, but the tree that is solid and good will stand the strike of any
thunderstorm.

“Your heart
must be right at all times: no idolatry to false gods, no unforgiveness toward
others. Let your heart be as a throne for Dominio, placing Him above all, and
you will do well.

“Let your feet
run lightly and swiftly for the joy you bring to the lost. Do not grow weary,
but entrust yourself to Alexandros, who ran the race before you, and has now
passed the torch on to you.

“Put your
faith in Dominio at all times, even when you face danger for speaking in His
name. For He cares for you as tenderly as a Shepherd tends the flocks. Follow
Him where He leads, trust Him to provide for your needs, and yield your life to
His keeping.

“For by so
doing you will be protected from the wolves, those who say they belong to
Alexandros, yet they are not of His Spirit. Ever they seek to enslave others,
bringing them into bondage by using the very words of Alexandros Himself
against one another. You will know them by their actions as they seek power
above all else.

“Remember
always the pledge of Alexandros, the promise of eternal life, and meditate upon
His words, and submit to His teachings. For this will guard your mind from
access by the evil one as he attempts to deceive and distract you from your
purpose. He will loose condemnation against you like a rain of arrows in a
fierce battle, as he seeks to trap you in guilt for deeds done in the past. You
are clean now: remember that!

“And there is
one weapon that is most important of all. For it is more powerful than any
instrument of destruction you will ever encounter in battle.”

Xenon rose
from his chair and crossed the room to an old wooden chest that stood against
the wall. It was not a large chest, nor an ornate one, but it was sturdy. Out
of its depth he drew a package wrapped in linen. He unwound the folds of linen
and a leather scabbard was revealed. Xenon brought the scabbard back to the little
group. He touched it reverently.

“My children,”
he began, “I am coming to the end of my time upon this Earth. I know this, for
the Spirit of Dominio has revealed it to me. Before I depart, I wish to leave
this in the keeping of one whom I feel is called to wield it after me. It is
the dearest treasure I possess. I leave it to you, Marcus Maximus.”

Saying this,
he extended the scabbard to Marcus. Marcus withdrew from it the hilt of a
sword. He marveled at the gleam of its silver blade, the keen edge of its
point. It was adorned with no jewels, nor etched with fine engravings, yet it
was the loveliest thing he had ever seen. And he delighted in the gift of his
own sword.

“This,” Xenon
declared, “is Logos. It has been purified in the flames of the hottest fire
seven times. Its strength is unmatched, for it cannot be broken. Its blade is
so sharp it can cleave a man in two; its hilt is so heavy one blow can knock a
man senseless. You may
not
, however, use it in violence.”

As Marcus
opened his mouth to protest, Xenon lifted his hand to silence it.

“Logos,” he
explained, “is far more valuable than it looks. See, there are no engravings on
its blade, yet when you have need, your instructions for the resolution will
appear on the blade as if etched by an engraver. There are no jewels on the
hilt, yet the words that appear to guide you shall be of more value than great
treasure. I know, for Logos has been my guide for many years. Its words shall
both comfort and confront, direct and destroy.