The Seer

By James Menaker

Legends say that long ago a mystical order of men and women walked the earth. They were known as the Seers. Stories claim that they saw the invisible, knew the unknowable, and performed impossible feats of power. They wandered the earth as champions for the oppressed and heralds of days to come. Seers were cloaked in mystery and suspicion, but when they spoke, the wise listened.

Elijah is a Seer, widely considered to be the greatest of their order. He is called to confront the powerful King Ahab with five simple words, “There will be no rain.”

The Seer narrates the dangerous, exciting and God-given journey of the prophet Elijah in an entertaining and engaging way. This young adult adventure brings the ancient story to life and shows that when gods battle for the future of mankind, one person can change everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Sep 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781489723734

James Menaker

James Menaker is a life-long resident of Fairbanks, Alaska. The winters there are long, dark and cold…perfect for writing a book. He is a part-time youth pastor, part-time writer, part-time blogger, part-time non-profit manager and full-time husband and father.

Book preview

Copyright © 2019 James Menaker.

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 author 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.

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

LifeRich Publishing

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.liferichpublishing.com

1 [phone]

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 Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2374-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2375-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2373-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019912526

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 09/09/2019

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Epilogue

Discussion Guide

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Section 5

Section 6

Section 7

Section 8

Section 9

Section 10

Section 11

Section 12

Section 13

Section 14

Section 15

Section 16

Section 17

Section 18

Section 19

Section 20

Section 21

Section 22

Section 23

Dedication: To Carina, Diego, Essie and Lucy, the greatest gifts I could have ever imagined.

PROLOGUE

Clack. Clack. Clack.

The Seer’s staff echoed throughout the deserted stone hallways of the Royal Palace. Wall mounted torches flickered as he slowly walked by, alone except for his wavering shadow and his thoughts. The Seer’s eyes darted back and forth as he took one labored step after another. What am I doing here? he whispered in a raspy voice, unable to speak any louder. Why me? The Seer’s heart pounded furiously, fear driving it faster and faster. He walked with hunched shoulders as if carrying a pack of stones on his back. Yet he continued moving forward, step after step.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

Suddenly he realized he was standing in front of the Great Doors which led to the Royal Dining Hall. His mind went blank. His mouth went dry. Sweat poured down his face. His knees shook as he tightened his grip on his staff to keep from falling over. The Seer squeezed his eyes shut as he lowered his head, I can’t do this. Not like this. Not on my own.

He started to turn from the door when he heard a familiar voice. Eli? Eli is that you? A small, balding man wearing a fine black robe with red trim hurriedly approached from the opposite side of the hallway. A smile spread across the Seer’s face as he breathed out a sigh of relief. Of course, he muttered to himself, shaking his head. Of course you are here. He stood erect and turned to face the smaller man, Hello, Obi. Obadiah had been a friend long before he had moved to the capital and become the Palace Overseer.

It is you! The guards told me there was a dirty beggar claiming to have a message for the king, Obadiah embraced his childhood friend and chuckled. Eli, it is so good to see you again. I had no idea they were referring to you. How did you get in here? I thought the guards turned you away. He took a step back, examining the Seer for the first time. In the name of all that is good and holy, what are you wearing? And why do you smell like the wrong side of a horse? Obadiah took two more steps back and brushed off his robes as his nose wrinkled. What happened to you?

The Seer barked a great laugh. It’s camel. Obi looked completely confused. The tunic. It is not horse, it’s made out of camel’s hair. Do not ask me why. It is a long story and it is nowhere near the craziest part of my life right now. Speaking of which, Eli’s voice dropped as he took on a serious tone, I need to make a request.

Obadiah motioned his friend over to a cedar bench in the hallway, Of course, anything you need. Both men sat as Obadiah said, Now what can I do for you?

The Seer sat silently for a moment having an internal debate. He closed his eyes and nodded as he came to a decision. Obi, I do have a message for the king, he stood and looked right into his friend’s eyes. I formally request an audience to present my message to King Ahab. He waited silently for the Overseer to respond.

Obadiah gave his friend one more long, questioning glance and then tilted his head and looked at the ceiling as he thought through the King’s schedule. All right, I could find some time for you two days from now. The king listens to…

Tonight, Obi, the Seer said softly, Right now.

The smaller man whistled and wiped his hands on his robes as he stood up, That’s impossible and you know it. Let me move some things around and I could get you in tomorrow.

The Seer shook his head and approached his friend, putting his hand on Obadiah’s shoulder, It’s got to be tonight. It’s big.

How big?

Elijah stroked his short, black beard as he tried to figure out how to respond. It is fire from heaven, fate of the world, life and death, good versus evil, future of our nation hanging in the balance big. The other man raised one eyebrow. This is historic, Obi. After tonight, nothing will be the same ever again.

Obadiah took a step back. He took a deep breath and thought for a moment. Okay, but this better be good. Wait here. The black and red cloak whirled in the air as Obadiah turned and entered a side door.

The Seer stood silently in front of the Grand Doors, awaiting his audience. He stood straight and calm, free of the terror that had accompanied him into the Palace. He chuckled to himself, thinking back on his adventures with Obi, and then took a deep breath, telling himself he was ready to deliver this message. With a loud crack the doors opened and a wave of chaos crashed down over him. The Seer brought his hand up to shield his eyes while they adjusted to the heat and light pouring out of the Hall. Hundreds of people were crammed into the Great Hall stuffing themselves with every morsel of food they could find. The air was filled with laughter and screaming and songs and cursing, every guest straining to be recognized over the din of the chamber. The only open space in the entire Hall was the path from the main doors to the Royal table. The Seer let out a breath that he did not realize he had been holding. He took one step, then another, slowly making his way through the revelry towards the King. Every step that he took brought more eyes upon him and more silence upon the room.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

The sound of his staff rang through his ears. Dignitaries watched him. Dancers watched him. Priests and Prophets. Servants and Soldiers. Soon the complete attention of the chamber was upon the man in the camel-skin tunic that approached the head table. However it was not these stares that shook the Seer to his core. He was aware of other eyes, crimson red and locked upon him, glaring with hatred at his every movement. Skreetchers.

Skreetchers were from the Invisible Realm, creatures of myth and legend who had only been glimpsed by those who possessed the True Sight. The Seer scanned the room as he walked and saw Skreetchers hanging like a dark cloud of smoke over the entire room. No heavier than a breath, Skreetchers were the size of children with the appearances of withered old men, pale in complexion with pointed ears and noses and beady eyes. Occasionally one would descend to whisper into a guest’s ear. They would latch onto their unknowing host while speaking, releasing the human at their leisure. Skreetchers were weak and shriveled, but their voices had the power to bend wills. Their hosts would find themselves following whispered commands as their invisible passengers smiled coldly.

As the Seer progressed up the aisle, hundreds of red eyes focused all of their hatred upon him and a dull buzz of hissing began to rise from the room. The cloud above the dinner guests disappeared as each creature found their own host and began angrily inciting the crowd. The buzzing grew louder as the guests began whispering to each other about this new arrival. A dozen Skreetchers separated from the crowd, landing in the aisle between Elijah and the king. Slowly they approached the Seer, each one pulling out a pitch black-bladed dagger. The hairs stood up on the Seer’s neck as he kept advancing. The Skreetchers drew close enough that the he could clearly see their lips draw back into wicked grins as the buzz became a roar. Suddenly…

Silence. The only sound was the echoing staff against the stone floor. The crowd was still there, intrigued by what they were seeing. The Skreetchers were still there, staring venom at the Seer. But now the Seer had been joined by two allies: Guardians. Like the Skreetchers, Guardians were residents of the Invisible Realm. But whereas the Skreetchers were insubstantial and faint, the Guardians were seven feet tall with muscles straining against the glistening armor they wore from their shoulders to their feet. They glowed as if a thousand candles were just under their skin and the swords they carried burned with pure flame. They stood directly behind the Seer and gave him a nod to continue when he looked back. The Skreetchers quivered with hatred but parted to either side of the aisle, allowing Elijah access to the King.

The Seer came to the foot of the steps leading up to the Royal Table. My name… His voice cracked and sounded like a cat having its tail run over. The room exploded in laughter. Dozens of imitations instantly sprang up around the hall. A Skreetcher, trying to take advantage of the distraction, launched itself at the Seer, dagger drawn for the kill. In the space of a single blink, a fiery sword slashed through the air, leaving a small puff of black smoke where the Skreetcher used to be. As the room calmed down, the Seer shook his head in disbelief, wide-eyed at what he had just seen. A small smile crossed his lips as he drew a deep breath, lifted his head up and began again.

My name is Elijah. I am a Seer and I come with a message for King Ahab from my Lord. His voice rang strong and clear throughout the hall as he looked up the twelve stone steps towards the Royal Table.

King Ahab sat next to his Queen upon the platform, absorbed in his goblet of wine. They both wore robes of red and black covered in gold and jewels from head to toe. The king, bored with yet another meaningless feast filled with whiners, grifters and attendants, had allowed his Overseer to bring in this messenger to give tonight a new flavor. His eyes snapped up at Elijah’s introduction. The two men locked gazes as everyone else seemed to fade away. The king lowered his wine and slowly spoke through his finely-pointed beard and mustache, A Seer, you say? I’ve not been visited by one of your legendary order. Tell me, Seer Elijah, what brings you into my hall?

Elijah gave a slight bow, but never took his eyes away from the king. Since the beginning of the world, mankind has sought the favor and assistance of the gods while the gods have claimed different nations as their own in order to display their power. There is One who created them all: gods, men and the world. That One is my Lord and He has sent me here with a message for you. Silence hung on the hall as the Seer paused. The king nodded for him to continue. Out of every people in this world, my Lord chose your ancestors to be his nation. He placed you upon your throne to lead His people and show His power to the rest of the world.

A smile spread across the king’s face as he slowly stood, arms spread wide. I am Ahab the Great, chosen by…

Elijah interrupted. But you, oh king, have traded the favor of my Lord in order to pursue Ba’al. You married his High Priestess and allowed hundreds of his prophets to occupy your palace. My Lord is not willing to sit idly by and watch another god destroy His people. So you will know His power and resolve, His message is this: There will be no rain until I give the word. Let Ba’al save you.

If it was quiet before, silence reigned now. No one could believe that anyone would dare talk to the king in this way and no one knew what to do next. Queen Jezebel exploded from her seat in a fury, Heathen! Heretic! Guards! Seize him and throw him out of the Palace! How dare you profane the great and powerful name of our Lord Ba’al with your lips and then belittle our king in his very home! The crowd followed suit, cursing the Seer and his family while throwing anything they could find. Two large guards grabbed Elijah and dragged him through the hall as he was pelted by food, cups and small rocks. He had never been the target of so much hatred before and never been so happy to be pulled out of a room, thrown down a flight of stairs and deposited into a barren street in the cold night air.

The Seer climbed to his feet and began brushing himself off. His jaw ached where a rock had connected and he was now walking with a substantial limp. He grimaced as he turned from the palace and his hands would not stop shaking. Nevertheless he gave a great smile as he turned to the Guardians. I did it. Did you see me? I actually did it. I delivered the message to the king. I am so glad that is finally over.

Over? the Guardian’s deep voice rumbled. He shook his head as they slowly walked along, No, Seer. For you this is just beginning.

CHAPTER 1

L egends say that long ago a mystical order of men and women walked the earth: The Seers. The stories claim that they saw the invisible, knew the unknowable and performed impossible feats of power. They wandered the earth as champions for the oppressed and heralds of days to come. The order was cloaked in mystery and suspicion, but when they spoke, the wise listened.

Elijah was a Seer, widely considered to be the greatest member of the Order. He came before the King of Israel and boldly proclaimed, There will be no rain…

Ridiculous. Completely absurd. Everyone who heard the Seer’s declaration agreed that the man had lost his grip on reality. An hour after he left, all the crowd could do was laugh as they remembered the night’s entertainment. A week after the party there had been no rain and people talked about what a beautiful spring they were having. A month after the party there had been no rain and farmers became a little concerned about the dry weather. Three months after the party there had been no rain and people were curious. Whispers began to circulate; rumors began spreading as men and women wondered about the unusual weather. Six months after the party there had been no rain and the summer was known as the worst in history: drought had plagued the land, crops had withered and animals had died. People looked forward to the cooler temperatures of the fall and told stories of the Seer’s challenge to the King. One year after the party there had been no rain and fear gripped the Kingdom of Israel. A repeat of the previous summer would be disastrous. Already streams were drying up and food was becoming scarce. There was no sign of the Seer anywhere. Sixteen months after the party there had been no rain and the summer sun was beating down on the land.

The drought was not limited to Israel. Every nation in the known world was struggling and trying to survive the summer. Egypt’s Nile River had never been lower. Judah, the nation bordering Israel to the south, was spending all its money to import food. Phoenecia, Queen Jezebel’s homeland, lay to the North. Its major cities, Tyre and Sidon, were filled past capacity with refugees looking for food and relief from the heat. They were the fortunate ones. The smaller towns and villages were simply fading away.

Zarephath was one such village. A small village along the road between the country’s two largest cities, Zarephath sat on the shores of the Great Sea. Once upon a time its harbor had been filled with vessels carrying goods for trade along the coastal communities. Now the bay was empty of ships as the waves crashed against the rocky shore. The village