Forever: A Godyssey Adventure

By J.D. Howes

THE END WAS JUST THE BEGINNING

Take a fascinating journey beyond reality to explore the wonders of what awaits us all!

THE GREATEST HUMAN ADVENTURE...

Author: JD Howes

Pages: 542

Subject: Sci-Fi / Fantasy

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 4, 2001
• ISBN: 9781477172865

J.D. Howes

If a picture is worth a thousand words… then this ghostly image of author JD Howes should scare you to death! Okay, now that you’re dead, where did you end up? Heaven? Hell? Oblivion? - Not sure? Life and death are all part of being human. And eternity is just a heartbeat away! So, what awaits you? Readers travel with Jack Davis as he discovers the frightening truth about the hidden spiritual forces fighting over his eternal soul in this one-of-a-kind adventure story. In Forever: A Godyssey Adventure, author JD Howes takes readers on a whirl-wind tour through Heaven, Hell and Judgment Day! Be ready for anything! Family, friends & neighbors will want to read this intriguing novel and visit author: JD Howes on his web site at: www.jdhowes.com Author’s Disclaimer: Warning…Read this novel at your own risk! Your life will never be the same!

Book preview

Chapter 1

FAILURE . . . -oh, what an ugly word!

Ben the Angel paces along the edge of a steep cliff overshadowing a most gruesome sight below. From his vantage point, he watches a recently wrecked truck as it slowly sinks beneath the chilly waters of Madison Lake. He watches and sheds a tear in silence as his spirit sinks along with it.

Suddenly, a head breaks the cold lake waters and a solitary figure begins making a lonely trip shoreward. The Angel watches apprehensively as the frightened figure pulls itself from the freezing waters and sits down on a nearby rock.

For a while, the lonely figure just sits there in shock and stares out silently over the frigid waters… alone, confused… and dying.

Oh Jack! Why didn’t you call out for help? the Angel shouts in frustration. He knows the man below cannot hear his words yet, I could have saved your life if only I had had reinforcements… and time! But you didn’t ask the High King to send any. It’s not fair! -Not fair at all! You did so much to save your town from the Dark Prince… only to fail now. -Oh, Jack, why?

From above, a light suddenly basks the grieving Angel in a warm, golden light. A gentle voice softly replies from above, Benjamin Angel, be at peace my faithful servant. You have done your job well. It was simply Jack’s time to leave this existence. He has fulfilled my purpose in stopping the evil one from capturing this town of faithful citizens. Do not fret my friend, for another will arise again when Madison Lake is threatened… and it shall be. And as their King, I will continue to do great things through this small remnant of faithful and loyal citizens. So my friend; be strong and courageous! Though the enemy appears to have won this battle against Jack Davis, it is only that… -a mere battle. But I have already won the WAR! All is not lost… .

Your Majesty, Ben replies tentatively, unsure how to proceed, I understand what you say and know the words you speak are truth. I am simply upset with that dirty Angel’s assassination of a good man like Jack Davis… he was a man of integrity and honor. And it was a pleasure to protect him all these years. And… well, that’s all over now and… I’m not sure what to do next. I mean, where do unemployed Angels go?

Benjamin Angel, listen carefully, the High King calls for attention, It is not over, as you suppose, this time is merely a transition period. You still have a job and purpose, faithful one. Even as we speak, the Dark Prince is preparing to send forth his servants Death and Hades to locate the soul of Jack Davis. Though they cannot change what I have established, they will try to… as usual. They want to make Jack’s transition from this world to ours as miserable as possible. Guardian Angel of Heavenland, your job has only begun!

The downcast Angel brightens a little at the praise, and smiles. However, his smile takes on a note of concern as the High King continues, Benjamin, the Dark Prince has sought another way to exact his revenge against my servant, Jack Davis. He has chosen his eldest son to target and devour next. At this point, Jack’s oldest boy, Gordon, is seriously considering renouncing his citizenship in my kingdom because he no longer believes in me.

How can that be, sire? Ben asks with stunned disbelief, He used to be one of our most loyal subjects!

Oh, our enemy has been up to his usual bag of tricks, the High King explains. His liberal use of disinformation, deceit and confusion has made him very emotionally numb and cynical. He no longer knows what he believes in. And this very hopelessness has led Gordon on a rash of gambling binges and drinking… to so-call ‘escape’ his problem.

Not good, the Angel concurs sadly.

The High King agrees as his voice begins rumbling like the ocean surf, Ben, all this has seriously damaged his marriage, his life and spirit. It has left him spiritually and physically blind and adrift. In this weakened condition, the enemy continues to hound and scare him into handing control of his soul over. And while I detest such victimization, my gift of freewill forbids me from interfering with his right to save or destroy his own life. Yet, I do not like to lose such fights and therefore have devised a daring plan to rescue my precious Gordon. But the choice of whether he wants to be saved still remains his decision. But he will at least see, with his own eyes, the naked truth and be forced to choose me as his eternal leader or choose, by default, to serve the Dark Prince! For no man can serve two leaders. He must choose this day in whom he will place his faith and destiny.

Is there anything we can do to help Jack’s son? the Angel inquires hopefully.

Indeed, there is! the High King booms out enthusiastically, Having free will means having choices to select from. That is why I have come to you, Benjamin Angel.

*Gulp*

Me sire? Oh surely, there must be someone else who can help Jack’s son better than I… -isn’t there? the Angel asks hopefully. Hearing no immediate response, Ben begins sweating, I mean, sire, look at what a miserable job I did with his father! Even now, he’s watching himself die from that rock below. He has no idea of how badly I let him down! the Angel blurts out in mortification.

Benjamin Angel! the High King rumbles loudly, Am I not your Creator and King? Do I not know what has transpired here? Have I accused you of a crime or of failing? -Indeed not! You did exactly what you were created to do… to protect my child during his existence on this small world I created for their pleasure and testing.

Testing, sire?

Free will, Benjamin, the High King explains, That most wondrous of gifts given to those made in my image. However, the enemy has been working hard to keep young Gordon distracted and not thinking about anything he cannot see, feel or experience. The Dark Prince wants Gordon to fail his life test. That is why he distracts his targets with money, power and success. That’s why he uses poverty, disease and war. He even uses hunger and nature to do his dirty work, if need be. To him, it makes no difference. Any distraction is a good distraction as long as it works. He even customizes distractions for each individual he targets. If he can keep Gordon self-centered, selfish and self-serving… he will never be able to open his eyes to see, let alone trust another… including me.

That guy really burns me, the Angel spouts with righteous anger.

The High King pauses momentarily as a rumble like a chuckle can be heard from a distance, I do believe you are developing a sense of humor Ben! But, as I was saying, Gordon has been making a series of bad decisions that have caused his heart to stray far from me. He is now in serious danger of falling away from me completely unless we intervene soon. As one of my children, he needs to be reminded of the power that I gave him as a Prince of Heavenland.

I agree, Ben acknowledges, nodding approvingly, But how? Jack was on his way home to help his son when his so-called ‘accident’ occurred.

I know, the High King concurs, Even as we speak, the Prince of Darkness has set in motion events that will lead to Gordon having a serious accident of his own… but I will spare his life in the form of a deep coma. I will then arrange a visit for Gordon to see his future where I do not exist, should he choose to reject me… that’s where yours and Jack’s help will come in.

You d-d-don’t mean… . the Angel begins stuttering as his body gives an involuntary shake.

Yes, that’s exactly what I mean, Benjamin, the High King responds heavily, Gordon needs a full reminder of what is truly at stake. And, your services are needed my friend.

Yes, Sire, I am here to serve and obey… what is your will?

His Majesty begins outlining his plan in detail, "I am going to grant Jack Davis a second opportunity to complete his mission to save his son from himself. Perhaps, the relationship between Father and Son will remind him of the same relationship he has with me, his royal father. I want you to meet Jack and give him the fast orientation program. He needs to quickly acclimate himself with how things work in the spiritual reality.

I see, the Angel shakes his head in understanding.

Escort and prepare him for the trials he will be facing during this rescue effort, the High King instructs. Also, let him know he’s been selected to receive a special dispensation called a ‘Godyssey.’ For he has proven to me he can walk anywhere… by faith. And the adventure I have in store for him will put that faith to the ultimate test and change him for eternity… -if he succeeds.

B-but Sire! You j-just said G-Gordon was g-going to be visiting-g-g… Ben stammers out in near panic.

Yes, Ben… that is what I said, the High King responds sympathetically as he interrupts the shaken Angel.

But, that means Jack is going down to… oh-h no-o-o, the Angel groans as he looks down at the lonely figure below, Oh, Jack… what have you started?

Chapter 2

Swish-h-h… burble… blup… swoosh-h-h… gurgle… gloop…

What was I doing here? I wondered to myself, dazed. Small waves lapped against the shoreline as I sat there on a large rock overlooking the autumn waters of Madison Lake. But just moments earlier, I had been somewhere else admiring the breath-taking site of my hometown.

What happened? How did I end up here? Laying my head down in one hand, I tried recalling the events leading up to this moment. But everything was all fuzzy… and disconnected somehow. Nothing made much sense at the moment. So, I tried focusing on scant memories that kept dangling teasingly before me. Perhaps, if I could focus on one of them, the answer might reveal itself. Picking an image of a truck and pretty leaves, I began concentrating hard.

***

The sun had just broken over the surrounding foothills of Madison Lake, as my truck approached the prettiest valley town in the region. The sun’s brilliant glare was shining softly on the thousands of colored leaves marking this beautiful fall season.

Simply incredible, I whispered to myself in silent wonder. The color of the leaves had changed dramatically over the past few weeks, as if a rainbow had painted its beauty across the land. They look good enough to eat this year. I chuckled to myself. Just then, my thoughts turned towards my oldest boy, Gordon. That boy saw everything from an edible point-of-view. And he sure knew how to enjoy eating, too. His mother said he got that trait from me. -What a kid!

Suddenly, a wave of depression fell over me like a damp wool blanket. I gave an involuntary shiver, even though the truck cab was warm. Two days ago, I learned about Gordon’s efforts to gamble his way out of debt, only to lose nearly everything he owned… -which wasn’t much. He and his wife, Kristen, had three beautiful children and a great number of money problems caused by some bad decisions and a terrible economy. These days, it was a normal state of affair for families to be struggling ever since the banks, credit institutions and financial corporations collapsed after the recent civil uprising.

I knew he was terribly depressed after talking to him the other night… something about the tone of his voice didn’t sound quite normal. He was a good man, well respected and loved in his community. He was also a good son, father and husband as well. But now, he was in jail for being at the wrong place at the wrong time during a recent bank robbery. What was happening to my boy? I had to find out… and help him some how… and help him I would. After all, that’s what a father is for isn’t it?

A renewed sense of urgency washed over me as my foot pressed down on the accelerator and my speed increased. The more I thought about him, the more fear I felt and the faster I went. I would not lose my son and best friend, without a fight.

A couple of rabbits scampered across the road, momentarily distracting my mind from the sad turn of events for Gordon. Watching my speed, I slowed down a little as I prayed, Lord, give me strength, wisdom and opportunity to save Gordon… please protect his life and deliver him from the enemy’s hands. Help me help him.

This little prayer kept turning over in my mind as I sped homeward. I was just passing the old Murphy house, at the edge of town, when the familiar green sign announcing Madison Lake – 3 miles ahead appeared. I reached the top of the hill and began descending into the valley town in the distance. From this vantage point, among the autumn leaves, Madison Lake looked like it belonged in an old-fashion Courier & Ives painting.

It always felt good to reach this point of the trip, because I knew home was only a few minutes away. In the distance, the old church steeple poked above the tree line as the elementary school and newly remodeled town hall came into view. The town square, complete with a bandstand, fountain and ducks came next followed by the well-preserved homes from a much simpler era. As humble as it looked… it was home… my home, and worth protecting.

Recently, I had played a pivotal role in stopping an aggressive gambling company from moving into town and spoiling all this beauty. I had seen what this particular corporation had done to other towns with its normal assortment of casinos, strip joints and bars of every kind. Because of my adamant stance, I made a lot of enemies… and had to watch my step. But I didn’t care, this was my town and nobody was gonna muscle me out and take it away. And if I had any say in it, I would make sure that its simple innocence would never change . . . because this was war!

Chapter 3

I shook my head at that thought. Why were bad people always bullying good ones? Then I remembered, evil always thrives where brave men and women fail to act and stop it. There would always be people forcing unwanted changes on others and stripping them of their freedom and choice.

And that was the case I faced when the K-RAD Entertainment Corporation came to town. I learned that day that evil was no respecter of people. It used every dirty, mean trick in the book to deceive and bully good people into a life of enslavement to their passions and hopelessness. And when it was threatened, it knew no boundaries when seeking revenge. Since evil plays by no moral rules, anything and everything becomes fair game. That is why good men should never underestimate its strength, be prepared for its ugly head to rise any time and then defend themselves against it. For evil is always waiting to strike down the innocent caught unaware.

Frowning over that last troubling thought, I suddenly realized the truck was heading quickly for Dead Man’s Curve. Glancing into my rear view mirror, I was shocked to see a large semi-tractor rig barreling down on me from behind. Now, where did he come from? I couldn’t recall passing him at any time… or even seeing him along the roadside. Besides, this was the only road leading into town. Who was that guy? I wondered. Automatically, I increased my speed to put some distance between us.

No good! The semi was gaining on me, and fast! Glancing into my rear view mirror again, I caught a glimpse of the truck driver and nearly yelped in terror! He… it… was nothing more than a wisp of black shadows with fiery yellow eyes peering over the steering wheel… -those eyes!

A chill screamed down my spine as our eyes locked. They were directed at me spitting out fire and hatred. Mesmerized momentarily by those hideous eyes, I nearly forgot to slow down for Dead Man’s Curve. As I began pressing down on the brakes, out of nowhere, a buck and two does suddenly bounded out from behind a grove of pine trees… and straight out in front of my truck!

The buck and first doe leapt to safety at the last second, however, the second doe reversed its course and leapt back - too late! The truck clipped the doe’s lower legs sending her flipping and spinning onto the hood and through the…

*CRASH! *

. . . windshield! As the bulk of the doe shattered through the glass, thousands of tiny prismatic fragments exploded in all directions. I was momentarily blinded by the flying glass and panicked. Slamming the brakes down hard, the truck began fishtailing wildly!

Losing all traction on the slick, hillside road covered in wet autumn leaves, I eased off the brakes a little. In one last desperate attempt, I tried ramming the hillside on my right side to slow down. Blind as a bat and out of control, the truck hit the hillside hard. The right side wheels climbed the rock walls causing the half-dead doe to fall against me and begin thrashing about! The truck up-righted itself as it ricochet off the wall back on to the road and towards the curve.

By now, panic had set in as my feet tried pumping the brakes… but to no avail. The does’ legs had gotten themselves tangled in the brake and accelerator pedal! The doe made a short wailing sound before slumping heavily against me, pinning my head against the side window. Suddenly, I found myself helpless and trapped and heading straight for the guardrail!

Without warning, time began slowing down as I watched in amazement the events that befell me. This is impossible! I shouted out in disbelief. Freeing one arm to clear the blood from my eyes, I heard the gut wrenching, sickening sound of splintering wood and screaming metal… and then silence. The next sensation I felt was that of flying!

Lifting my head, I discovered I could see again, but that’s when I wanted to clamp my eyes shut. For all around me was nothing but clear morning sky… where did the road go?

As the truck began losing forward momentum and gravity began reasserting itself, the truck began pitching forward as it made a downward plunge. The doe shifted away from me and fell against the rear window… floating in free fall… as if stuck there by glue. As the truck’s front end pitched forward even more, I was granted a spectacular front row seat to my death as Madison Lake appeared below.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, fascination over these events began filling me with certain awe. I must have ramped off Dead Man’s Curve at an incredibly high rate of speed to clear the trees and cliff edge below. Now, I was flying like a bird and falling like a rock towards the southwestern edge of Madison Lake Park. -Oh-h-h-h… what a sensation!

As the ground and water began rushing up at me at a horrific speed, reality came crashing back and I clamped both eyes shut. God, save me! I shouted out in vain. Then the cab was filled with the sounds of death and destruction… -followed by liquid silence.

Chapter 4

Now, this is where my story gets really weird… I remembered everything during those last few moments when my truck’s Newtonian collision with an immovable object occurred. Upon impact, I crashed forward through the shattered remains of my windshield and shot through the icy waters like a torpedo. Then my body slowly floated to the surface.

After what seemed like an eternity, my head broke through the lake’s freezing surface. The first thing I recalled seeing was my truck floating like a cork, at a slightly cock-eyed angle. The nose was pointing downward while the back part of the cab barely remained above water. I figured an air pocket was holding it up. Then I saw the doe lying limply against something dark, propped up against the steering column. Shocked at my incredible luck, I decided to make for shore before that all changed.

Reaching the beach, I dragged myself stiffly onto the rocks and sat down on a dull gray boulder. Shaking uncontrollably and dazed, I remembered raising my eyes to the sky and whispering, Thank you… -thank you for saving my life. Then the shock of everything happening finally overtook my emotions and I broke down weeping, just so glad to be alive.

It took several minutes for me to calm down, but after I did, I noticed my curiosity was still intact. My mind began recalling the strange time distortions as my truck plunged into the lake… like it was still happening! Then I noticed my eyes acting up as I tried to squeeze away the images of a flooding truck cab and a beach shore. I felt as if my body existed in two places at the same time… -it made no sense.

I shook my head to clear away the confusion; perhaps, I was suffering from a mild concussion. Placing a hand out against a rock to steady myself, I noticed my arms and hands for the first time. There wasn’t a single cut, a bruise or embedded glass anywhere to be found -Impossible! Sobering up quickly, my hand shot up to my face where the glass had also embedded itself and found -nothing… absolutely nothing -not even pain!

What was going on here? I stood up slowly to prevent further injury when I realized how unnecessary the action was. The initial stiffness was all gone and I felt better now than I did at the age of twenty! Huh? What was going on? I either survived that comical series of accidents without a scratch or I was an incredibly healthy dead man, I chuckled to myself. Dead men don’t talk… let alone have a sense of humor, do they? I survived and right now, that was all that mattered. How? -I could sort that out later, but for now, my son needed his dad and I had to get to him.

But how? I still wondered in the back of my mind. Gazing upwards, my eyes caught sight of the mangle remains of the guardrail my truck blasted through before plowing into the lake below. Blinking my eyes and focusing, I realized with mild surprise, that broken guardrail should be nothing but a distant blur. But, instead, it was in sharp focus and close up as if I was using a telephoto lens… how could that be? What happened to me?

Fumbling through my pockets in search of my eyeglasses, I realized with a start that my clothes were completely and impossibly dry! Not a lick of moisture anywhere… now, how could that be? I glanced back up at the guardrail to look for the person responsible for this nightmare… or was it a day-mare? The semi tractor-trailer was long gone and the driver hadn’t even bothered to stop and see what he had done… or did he?

Partially hidden behind a large oak, near the guardrail, I noticed the movement of a shadow. However, this shadow was still a shadow as it walked out into the open daylight! It suddenly stopped and turned its head eerily in my direction. Then it looked down at me straight in the eyes. And that gaze… -br-r-r-r-r! That unmistakable gaze was like looking into the face of sheer hatred, it was a sight that could have frozen the sun!

With a hideous outburst of a throaty cackle, the creature’s hood fell back exposing its half-decayed skull covered with serpents. Welcome to Death, Jack Davis… -you deserved it! And then the monster disappeared.

A chill shot across my spine as my legs gave way under me. I fell to the sand, hard, as my head began reeling with vertigo. I cried out in denial, No! Impossible! I can’t be dead! I’m here right now, breathing and feeling scared to death -No! This can’t be real… -I don’t believe it! Will somebody please tell me what’s happening? I cried out desperately. But, the only response to be heard was the quiet laps of water gently rushing against the shoreline.

There had to be a logical reason for all of this. Perhaps, I hit my head as I flew through the blown-out windshield… perhaps I hit it on a submerged rock or something. I began probing my head for cuts, bruises, and knots, blood… anything that would convince me that I was still alive.

Nothing! I moaned more from rising panic, than pain. The only thing I could feel was… hey, wait a minute!

Hair? I’ve got hair… but that… -that’s impossible! I stammered with disbelief. My fingers were flowing through a full head of hair for the first time in 30 years! What was happening to me?

Now, I really was shaking and feeling weak as I cradled my head in my hands. My son was in trouble, but something deep inside me said his problems were now seriously trivial compared to mine at the moment.

In the distance, I saw a nearby park bench. Standing up on unsteady legs, I slowly made my way across the beach towards it. From the bench, I watched several children run towards the old play set that used to be my favorite as a kid. The youngsters began climbing and hanging upside down, by their legs, on the old bars. The old-fashioned metal monkey bars created the illusion of danger that made playing on them really fun, not to mention challenging a young climber’s skill.

But it was old, like me… made for a different age and generation that enjoyed risky living. The paint was chipping off of it after so many years of fun and use. I missed playing on it… but I was no Spring chicken anymore.

Oh well… I sighed.

The children’s cheerful presence provided a momentary distraction from my own personal dilemma. I just sat there watching them play as I tried sorting through what was happening to me. They were so happy, so focused on the seriousness of play and having fun… I couldn’t help but smile for them.

Then the children began leaping and chasing each other around the play sets. I was reminded of how young, innocent and energetic they were! They reminded me of little sheep hopping, skipping and running around each other. The childhood scene lifted my heavy heart a little more.

Suddenly, one little boy fell off the play set and began crying. I watched his mother run over and lift him up in her gentle arms. After a few reassuring words and a hug, the little boy’s sniffles turned to smiles. He gave his mother a quick hug and peck on the cheek then struggled to get back to his fun.

This little accident of life suddenly reminded me of my very BIG accident. Who was that driver? Better yet, what was it? Was it real or had I been knocked senseless? Perhaps, the truck driver was hired to wear a stupid costume that would scare me to death. If that was the case, it was working! It was probably someone from K-RAD who recognized me from the trials and wanted to exact a creative revenge.

It nearly worked too… one minute, you’re among the living and then Poof! you’re not… no more relationships, no more wife or children, no more eating, no more sex… no more living… no more nothing! In the blink of an eye, it’s all stripped away from you… forever. Your life is irrevocably cut off from everything that you once knew, owned or cherished. You cease to be human and become something… different.

At that moment, a shiver racked my body like a convulsion. At first, I thought it was adrenal letdown after narrowly escaping death. But it wasn’t that… then I thought it might be because of blood loss… but I wasn’t even bleeding. Shock? –Yes, that made sense… there was definitely something wrong with me and I needed help… -soon.

I also needed to lay my head down. I was feeling so sleepy. Where were the police or paramedics? I’m not dead… -yet, I reassured myself. What was taking them so long? I began feeling dizzy, disoriented and detached. Before I knew what was happening, I found myself sliding slowly off the park bench onto the ground below. My body was shutting down and there wasn’t a thing I could do to stop it.

Sleepily, I placed an arm behind my head and gazed up at the sky briefly. The sensation I felt wasn’t exactly unpleasant, just odd. As I grew more and more drowsy, a part of me kept fighting to remain conscious. However, another part of me anticipated the approaching sleep and I got the impression that it was anticipating something else… something wonderful. Had I been more observant, I would have noticed the sparkling colors beginning to glow and dance around me as I slid into a peaceful rest.

Some time later, I awoke. The morning sun was gone and had been replaced with an overcast sky. A cool brisk breeze was now blowing stiffly across my body allowing me to shake off the remaining drowsiness. The first thing I recalled hearing during those first few moments of consciousness were the distant bleating sounds of sheep. Sheep? Here in Madison Lake Park? What was going on? The Hodgson’s sheep farm was miles from here.

Now that my curiosity had been piqued, I felt strong enough to check out this most unusual discovery. I rolled over onto my stomach and turned my head to locate the source of the sounds. Up on a nearby hill were several children and an adult playing a new game called Sheep Go! I recognized it because my granddaughter, Jenny, loved to play that particular game.

Something inside me began to stir. It felt like a deep, longing sensation… a yearning that insisted on leaving this place now… and finding home. But I was already home, sort of… -something wasn’t right here. Searching a little deeper, I discovered this longing was for something not of this world. How odd, I appeared to be seeking something intangible. Yet, it was so real that… that, without it, my heart felt like it would die a billion deaths if it weren’t found… and soon.

I was beginning to feel like a man who had lost his leg and kept searching for it to be whole again. –That was it! I was searching for something to make me whole again? . . . But why? I tried to remember.

First things first, I struggled to organize my scrambled thoughts. The first question should have been, ‘why was I laying on the ground?’ I remembered that I had something important to do and needed to get going… but I couldn’t remember what it was. Odd… it wasn’t like me to forget matters of such importance. That blow to the head, if it really happened, must’ve done something to scramble my poor brain.

With a sigh, I rolled over on my back to watch the clouds float by. Trying to sort everything out in my mind, I dimly noticed the light changing. Was it me or was it getting darker? Suddenly, there was a flash of brilliance above me. With hands partially shading my eyes, I struggled to see what was going on. I was looking through what appeared to be a long corridor of dark clouds with a light shining brightly on the other side. As I gazed at the stunning beauty of this sight, I saw someone begin floating down towards me!

Intrigued… I smiled. Holding up a hand, without realizing what I was doing, my fingers stretched out to touch the beautiful creature getting closer to me. For some reason, I wasn’t afraid of this unknown. Whoever it was, they were showering me in a golden light that melted away all my fears and chills that lay in the bottom of my being. With a friendly smile, my soul was suddenly warmed. And until that very moment, I never realized just how cold I was inside. Something was melting in me and it felt good… really good. Then the lovely creature bent over and touched my eyes… as they slowly closed in gentle peace.

Chapter 5

Suddenly, my eyes shot back open… Wow! -What an incredible dream! I sat straight up and looked around for a moment, feeling really disoriented. Where was I? I thought curiously, looking around. Oh yeah, the park. But, now the children were gone, the autumn winds had picked up some and the skies were clear again. Hearing voices behind me, I turned around to see a crowd of people on the beach looking and pointing at something in the lake.

From where I stood, I could see my truck cab still poking barely above water. The front of the truck must have hit a shallow section and got lodged on something to keep it afloat all this time… how long had it been? –Two, maybe three hours since my accident? At the rate these people were moving, it was a wonder that I was still alive!

Irritated, I began walking over to a nearby officer who was standing in waist high water… shivering. By the looks of it, he was helping with the rescue effort… but why? I wondered. Couldn’t they see, by looking in the cab, that I had escaped?

Then I overheard the officer shouting into his comlink, Mercy General –We’ve got a truck down in Madison Lake within the past 10 minutes… marina area… -Male –Age: approximately 60 years old. He has abrasions, lesions and major head trauma. Lake Patrol is bringing him to shore now… . Over, the officer finished.

A body? Impossible! I was the only person in the truck cab… did someone else end up in the lake too?

Suddenly, an irritated voice filled the officer’s comlink, Understood, we’re moving! They’re waiting for us at the marina… Come on, Jackson… Move it! Don’t argue with me… get the life squad to the beach… Pronto! then a cut-off click ended the transmission.

Rookies… . the officer muttered in disgust.

In the background, I could hear the life squad’s siren growing closer and closer until the vehicle pulled up to the beach area. As it approached, I walked slowly towards it, waving my arms high and wide to get their attention. That’s when I looked at my moving arms and noticed a slight blurring of motion as they moved. What was it? Eye problems… again?

Feeling a bit embarrassed over all the attention, I turned to assure everyone I was okay. Officer… it’s all right. I’m right over here… see? I’m o-o-okay… - I think, my words trailed off into uncertain silence. Why wasn’t he looking at me? His head never even moved once to check out who was shouting at him. Was he deaf?

Just as I went to shout at him again, the rescue boat pulled up to shore. The on-shore paramedics quickly rushed to the side of the boat and began working on their unidentified victim. I watched on from a short distance, feeling very uneasy as the officer held the boat steady for the paramedics.

Obviously, they were ignoring me because I survived without a scratch and thus looked like a regular bystander. I decided it was time to tell someone… anyone… that I was okay. I saw the ambulance driver running back to the vehicle and ran to follow him.

Along the way, a small brown squirrel, chomping down on a walnut suddenly stopped, glanced around and looked straight up at me. Then its eyes grew into two huge saucers as it dropped its lunch and darted for the nearest tree screaming at me in a series of clicks, chirps and squeals!

What’s eating him? I wondered. I had to stop and take a short breather as another bout of disorientation hit me like a ton of bricks. I looked around in time to see the paramedics performing CPR on the victim. This time however, distorted voices began whispering to me from all around as if I could hear them from a great distance. As the moment of weakness began passing, something the officer said suddenly froze in my gut… he had reported my accident as occurring within the last… 10 minutes? Impossible!

Hours had passed while I waited for help, hadn’t it? But everyone here was acting as if this whole thing just happened! Why? It didn’t make any sense. I needed answers… I needed some aspirin, so I quickly headed for the ambulance to get both.

Upon reaching the side of the red and white striped ambulance, I sat on an extended foot ladder. But the metal seemed soft and I thought I’d fall through it any moment, but it held me up, sort of. What was happening here? I kept flip-flopping from an energetic twenty year-old to someone suffering from a bad case of the flu. These bouts of weakness kept making me feeling weaker and more disoriented than before. So, I placed my head between my knees until the dizziness passed.

Feeling better, I raised my head slowly to face a commotion of yelling and movement as the rescue workers began rushing towards the ambulance with someone in tow. As they approached with the stretcher, the victim’s hand flopped over the side. The victim was wearing the same plaid shirt I was wearing! My heart began racing… and nearly stopped… oh… no! They slid the man into the back of the ambulance and called in on their radio while hooking wires to his body.

The victim has stopped breathing again! Get started on CPR, the blonde rescue worker shouted. After several minutes of intense resuscitation work, one of the paramedics smiled, I’m getting a weak pulse… We’ll need to get him better stabilized before we can move him… let’s do it… STAT!

As they worked on stabilizing the patient again, I overheard his partner reporting to the inbound hospital. Mercy General, this is Squad 51… we are preparing an inbound male victim, with head trauma, in gestation of water and internal injuries. Pulse is weak and unstable. You should be receiving patient’s biostats now…

"Mercy General copies… stats being received… call initiated by officer at scene… emergency staff and surgeons standing by at Code Red. - ETA?"

Seven minutes, Mercy General… the young driver responded.

"Seven minutes confirmed, Mercy General - out…" *Click*

Putting down the radio, the EMS driver jumped in back to help his partner. He pulled down the blanket hiding the victim’s face to check his eyes. Catching a quick glance, my legs collapsed under me as I fell to the ground in horrified shock. No way, that’s… that’s not possible! The man they were working on was somehow, impossibly… ME!

Somebody please help me… what’s going on? I shouted up from my knees.

Still nobody heard. I refused to believe what my eyes were seeing at that point. Steeling myself for what I feared was coming next, I stood up and ran to the back of the ambulance. I had to know what was going on. Reaching with an outstretched hand, I grabbed for the sheets covering the poor soul on the stretcher. But all I got was a hand full of air as it went right on through the blanket and body… as if it were all an illusion.

Ugh!!! I cried out, startled, What’s going on!

Looking at my hand in horror – it was like something from a nightmare. Suddenly, the air around me grew warm and soft… even the lighting seemed more friendly and mellow. What was happening now? In that instant, my fears were completely vaporized by the new light shining on me. I couldn’t see anything, but in the background, I could hear the distant melodious sounds of a beautifully orchestrated song. There was no particular rhythm to it, but it hinted of… of something wonderful.

Then, a gentle voice whispered in my ear Be at peace, Jack Davis, you are not alone. Do not be afraid, for I am here with you. Be patient my friend, you cannot see me yet, but you will be able to very soon.

The voice held a hint of an understanding smile and a promise. I found it strangely comforting and compelling. It was like suddenly missing something all your life that you never knew was gone… until you found it. But what was it? Who was it? And where was it?

Who are you? I questioned hopefully, Can you actually hear and see me?

Yes… to both questions, the voice partially answered to both questions.

Then the disembodied voice spoke again. Jack, your human body is dying. You are caught with one foot in your reality and mine… please do not struggle, just accept it, relax and allow your life dream to end peacefully. It is time for the gentle sleeper to awake. Your spirit is strong, however, and it is fighting hard to release itself from its fragile human shell. But the paramedics will make that process more difficult as they struggle to keep the body alive. But, that is their honorable job to preserve life and they must be allowed to try. For the human body without its spirit, its soul is no different from any other creature or plant. It is what sets mankind apart from all other life.

The soft voice paused, as if conferencing with someone else I could not see, let alone hear. Jack Davis, do not fight against that which is common and natural to all mankind. For you must die to live again! So, be still and know the High King awaits you with great anticipation! the voice reassured me.

Your words sound strange to me, I replied with obvious confusion, I’m sorry… but I don’t know of any High King.

But you do, Jack, the voice disagreed, You just know him by another name, that’s all. All the people and rulers of Earth are all held accountable to his Majesty, whether they acknowledge him or not. Their opinions simply do not change his reality of what is. For he is the King of all Kings, Emperors, Presidents, Governors and Rulers!

Oh, that’s nice, was all I could think to say, Well, there are some rulers I know who will be a tad irritated at the thought of being held accountable to this… ah… High King of yours… that’s all I can say.

Indeed they will be, the voice responded soberly, More so than you realize… for to those the High King has given much, much will be demanded. The price for hurting, cheating or defrauding the innocent and for not defending his children is a heavy one indeed… just ask one of the Pharaohs of Egypt who was foolish enough to challenge his power. He hardened his heart with his pride and arrogance and lost everything… -his child, his army and his entire nation!

I remember that story. I guess some people have to learn the hard way, I interjected.

Not necessarily, Jack, the voice chided, "It was his choice and he