The Dragon-Of-War

By Pablo

The Dragon-of-War is a story about the darkness that prevents us from uniting with one another to honor, trust, and obey the one true God. Selac, a young man, is called to expose this darkness so that he and others may understand what is hindering them from serving their purpose in life. Instinctively, he recoils from this calling because his personal belief of live-and-let-live counters mandating any behavior. Understanding the assertion that only by divine providence is anyone able to serve the one true God, Selac goes forth to grow in faith in order to accomplish his purpose.

Through a series of experiences he learns that there will be deterrents to performing his mission. Selac teams with young male and female troopers to assist him in accomplishing his purpose. The team learns that their youth has become a hindrance. The one who was expecting him was expecting more experienced individuals and a larger force. Together, the young team encounters established traditions and values that generate deviations to their course of action for witnessing about the truth. Selac and the team meet an individual who provides instructions that will keep them focused on their mission.

Focused on the true Rock of salvation, Selac and the team go forth to witness about the truth to both friendly and hostile audiences. Selac is accused of performing illegal acts that will endanger the unity of the Empire in which they are to assist. As such, the troop is now sought for imprisonment or destruction by the elites of the ruling social and religious classes. With that realization, the young team continues to adhere to the guidance of the Spirit of God to witness about the only begotten Son of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490869605

Pablo

Before Pablo’s eyes were opened about the Word of God; he had heard or read multiple explanations concerning the existence or non-existence of a deity or deities. He was then urged by a non-believer to read a particular portion of the Bible to rationalize the illogical reasoning and justification of that so-called sacred scripture. Through that venture, Pablo eventually came to realize that in the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God. Pablo has become an annoyance and discomfort to secularist and religious people; not because he wanted to argue and disprove them, but rather because he believes that the truth will set one free. Pablo’s goal is to love the one true God with his whole heart, soul, and mind, to love his neighbor as himself, and to harvest and witness, as he is commanded, by the only begotten Son of God.

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Copyright © 2015 Pablo.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4908-6959-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-6960-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015902142

WestBow Press rev. date: 02/17/2015

Contents

Prologue

Introduction

Chapter 1 The Calling

Chapter 2 Prepare Properly

Chapter 3 Marching Onward

Chapter 4 Stand On The Rock

Chapter 5 Tests Strengthens

Chapter 6 An Act Of War

Chapter 7 On The Run

Chapter 8 The Truth Shall Set You Free

Chapter 9 A True Servant, Serves

Chapter 10 Focus On Your Purpose

Chapter 11 The Truth Is Amazing

About The Author

Companion Texts

The Holy Bible, New King James Version

Copyright 1992 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

NASB Giant Print Reference Bible, Personal Size

Copyright 2000 by the Zondervan Corporation

The New American Bible

A new Roman Catholic version of the Bible in English

PROLOGUE

Contrary to the tenets of the elite or religious, everyone will be given the opportunity to decide upon that belief or idea that they will have for their life.

Each one’s decision will cause an effect.

May you decide to place your hope in the One and only

LORD God

God so loves us, That He gave His only begotten Son.

Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life.

The Spirit will guide you into all truth.

The Spirit will not speak on His own authority,

The nature of the LORD’s creation attests to the One and only God.

Be not led astray by the utterances of individuals.

Trust and Obey the One True God.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.

Romans 1:16-17

INTRODUCTION

That which has been created attests to the reality of its Creator. Since the beginning of time efforts have been made to disapprove this testament yet it still flourishes in spite of the wisdom of men and women.

This story is about the descendants of some adventurous men and women who came to a land and as nature would have it, their means of transportation was destroyed. Through many years, natural events has caused the land to entrap the descendants of those original pioneers.

Olera is naturally divided by the Tsegi Mountain Range. There are two geographical regions; the Northern and Southern. These two regions are connected by three passes through the mountains. Two are treacherous and nearly impossible to cross. The third known as the eastern pass is naturally accessible by both regions.

Currently there is tension among the people of Olera.

The Northern region is under the control of one person named Yenoham.

The Southern region is under the control of two independent countries united with an alliance.

Yenoham conquered all the warring independent provinces of the north over a period of seven years.

The Southern region learned of the dimness of war long ago. Four of the five provinces united to create the Phyreen Empire. Over the years the residents of the empire evolved into citizens of Pyree. Today the ruler of this empire is King Luas.

Shangra is the only one of the original provinces still to exist. Shangra is relatively isolated; it has one access point to the rest of Olera. It is located on the southeast side of the land near the eastern pass of the Tsegi Mountain Range.

A great darkness hovers over Olera. War appears inevitable.

This story is fictional. Any semblance to any other story is coincidental.

CHAPTER 1

THE CALLING

The Emperor of the Phyreen Empire, King Luas faces what he believes to be the greatest challenge that his Thirty-year reign has ever faced. He has consulted with his military, political and religious advisors as well as his personal advisor. Still the King of the Southern Region of Olera senses that there may be no acceptable resolution so that peace may reign. It has been reported that Yenoham, the emperor of the Northern Region is determined to spread his rule over the entire land of Olera. It is believed that Yenoham’s advisors truly believed that only the ignorant and close-minded could not perceive how his majestic rule would bring contentment to them all. The only question still unanswered; is there anyone from anywhere capable of preventing the darkness from creating the Dragon-of-War?

The darkness permeated the forest as Selac waited in silence. He observed the ebony sky fade in retreat as the sun rose from behind Mount Paza. The sounds of the birds filled the forest as they welcomed the lighting of the dark forest. The flickered reflections of the morning light revealed the cool stream that rushed from the mount. The young hunter was also welcoming the new day when suddenly he heard the rattle of horns against some young trees. Though he could not see it, Selac knew that a stag was approaching the stream. Slowly he lifts his bow. Then alertly he sees the steam from the stag’s nostrils drift into the early dawn light. Cautiously the stag scans about, but the chatter of the birds and the rushing sound of the stream hinders its ability to recognize any danger. As the stag stoops for a refreshing drink, a dull twang warns the stag, but it is too late. Selac’s arrow pierces its target. The mortally wounded creature dashes for the security of the forest but to no avail. Selac’s heart filled with pride as he approached his dead prey; it truly was a prize. After a few preparations, he moved his trophy to a horse-drawn lean in an opening some distance away. There he waited for his younger brother, Whon. His wait was short; from the brush, Whon arrived with another prized stag. It was truly a successful day for the young hunters.

Finally they reached the worn trail that led to the village, they paused to give their horse a slight rest. Taking a deep breath, Selac looked about. From there they could appreciate the beauty of the Paza Canyon.

With a motion of his arm he referred to the view: Do you suppose there is a sight as lovely as this?

Whon smiled and added, I understand that the Luza Pass is a lovely sight.

They both recalled how their older brother, Bojac had described the pass when he came home on leave. The pass was only a month journey away.

Whon continued, Perhaps father will let us visit the pass since you will be joining the military next year.

Selac smiled sheepishly while raising his eyebrows. He was approaching the age when he must do his military obligation. During the time that he delayed going into the military, he was partaking in playing music at social affairs and at the hostelry in Natel. Selac’s apparent arrogance and leisure practice had angered his father, Retep. There was no way he could imagine that his father would grant his wayward son and Whon time to visit the Luza Pass.

Whon said, Well, it would not hurt to ask.

Selac ignored Whon’s suggestion as he looked at the snow-capped summit of Mount Paza which was brilliantly reflecting the sunlight, and thought how he longed to move to Shangra’s capitol city, Mulas. There, he would not have the opportunity to hunt, but he would have plenty of opportunity to pursue his love. He smiled slightly when he remembered jokingly telling Whon that everyone needed to sacrifice something for the welfare of others. Selac had been saving his money so that he could go to Mulas if the opportunity had ever occurred. Because of his father’s attitude, it looks like that opportunity would not happen until the end of his military obligation. Selac and Whon were about to continue on their journey to Natel when an elderly woman riding a small donkey-drawn cart passes by them.

Out of politeness they said, Good morning madam.

The elderly lady responded, Good morning Selac and Whon, sons of Retep.

Selac and Whon briefly looked at each other and then watched the old woman move on.

Continuing on their way, Selac asks, Who is that ole’ woman? I do not remember ever seeing her before.

I do not know, but she certainly knows who we are, Whon replied.

The fact that he could not remember ever seeing that old woman troubled Selac. Knowing that someone could remember him without any recollection on his part, bothered him. Sensing his brother’s discomfort at his loss of apprehensiveness; Whon raised one of his eyebrows as he looked back towards the old woman who was nearly out of sight.

She is probably the mother or grandmother of somebody we know.

Still looking slightly dismayed, Selac responded, I suppose that may be possible.

Focusing back on what they were doing, Selac and Whon rushed towards Natel on the worn trail to deliver their stags.

To their way of thinking, they had an excellent arrangement. They would receive a fair fee for their kill, while their brother-in-law, the village butcher, would prepare the meat and endure the challenge of bartering and selling to the people of Natel. In turn, they could pursue their leisure pleasures once they completed their chores at home.

Barring his father’s attitude, the only shadow of darkness that encircled this ideal arrangement was that within the next year, Selac would have to begin a three-year military obligation. Selac felt that this was extremely unfair. He truly believed that a peace-loving individual as himself should not be required to serve three years in the military. Nonetheless, his desire could not negate the law of his country.

After delivering their game and receiving their fee for yesterday’s kill, they rushed south to their home so that they could begin their chores. On their journey towards home, Selac thought about a challenge he had. Selac was the second son of Retep, a tiller of soil. His older brother Bojac had decided to stay in the military after his obligated tour. Naturally Selac’s apparent displeasure of the military was appreciated by his father; Retep. He was assured of an heir for his property. However, Selac did not have a desire to till the land: his heart yearned to play music as a minstrel. He hoped that there was a solution which would satisfy both his father and him.

Whon broke their silence, "Are you playing at the hostelry tonight?’

Selac smiled; You can count on that.

Initially, Retep had forbiden Selac to play at the inn; however after a while, Retep reluctantly allowed him to play music at the Natel Hostelry. Over time, Selac became the pub’s featured minstrel. With the profits from hunting, the meager minstrel wage and the tips contributed by the hostelry patrons, Selac was able to obtain a livable income.

Night before last, Selac received a substantial amount of tips. There were two strangers in the pub. Selac did not bother to reason why they were there; their tips for enjoying his music was great and what they did was their own business. Selac’s attitude harmonized with the hostelry proprietor’s outlook. Though there were no women customers, the hostelry proprietor employed young wenches to serve drinks to the customers and then looked the other way if willing patrons partook in other amenities. Though everyone knew that such practices were happening, there are no witnesses to testify. One of those wenches named Eolis became interested in Selac. In a way, he owed his job to her. She was the one that convinced the proprietor to consider Salec as a main attraction. The proprietor really favored Eolis, so he agreed to try Selac. At times she would suggest some retribution for her contribution.

Whon interrupts his thought with a nudge. Look, there is Migroh.

Whon points at a palomino stallion that is leading a herd of horses away from them. Selac quickly focused his attention on the magnificent animal. If only he could attract that mighty steed as he attracts people, perhaps he would stand a chance. Selac has failed to catch that horse which he dubbed ‘Migroh’. Migroh has become a legend. The stallion was just too fast for anyone to catch. Even when several people would team-up to catch the stallion, it would outwit them. Wishfully Selac watches the stallion run before them as it kicks up its heels in a playful manner.

Selac quietly mutters, Someday my friend, someday.

Whon chuckles when he hears Selac muttering. To his way of thinking, there is no way anyone is going to catch that stallion. Selac pulls back his dark brown hair as he watches Migroh defiantly run away.

They continued on their trip home. Retep, their father’s modest cottage was located south of Natel and it was snugly tucked into the forest’s edge. The trail from Natel passed by the place as it disappeared into the forest. Also living with Retep was Bojac’s wife and son, Coneda and Salocin. Outside the cottage, Coneda sings as she hangs her laundry. Her long blond hair was bunched under a scarf. Still the edges of her hair glows as it reflects the brilliant morning sunlight. Not far from her, Salocin quietly plays. As usual the youngster was clutching his pet around the neck. Coneda finally had to go and release the animal from her son’s chokehold. Immediately the animal scampered into the woods while clearly displaying its dislike of the treatment it was enduring. After a moment of anger, the child resumes playing. Coneda smiles as she returns to her chores. Just then a donkey-drawn cart stopped at the front of the cottage. Coneda watches as the old woman got out of the cart and approaches her. When she reaches Coneda she stops. The hood of the old woman’s tunic prevents Coneda from having a good look.

Curiously, she inquired, May I help you?

Without looking at her, the old woman replies, Yes Coneda, you may. I must speak with your father-in-law, Retep.

Ever so slightly she redraws from the old woman. Then she realizes that just about anyone in Natel and the surrounding area could have told the old woman her name.

Retep is in the field tilling the soil. What is it that you want to speak about with him?

There is a moment of silence.

Suddenly the old woman speaks. Daughter of Ocsic, I have been sent here on urgent business.

Coneda is stunned. Only her husband and his immediate family, knows her father’s name.

How is it that you know my father’s name?

The old woman responds. My dear child, I know of you and your family. Your father is a maker of weapon; your father-in-law is a tiller of soil, and your husband is the eldest of three sons and two daughters.

Coneda asks. Ole’ woman why have you gone through so much trouble to learn of me? Why should I interrupt Retep at his work?

The old woman removes the hood