The Revelation Ii: Sons of Destiny

By Albert Armbrister

Revelation II Sons Of Destiny

Kidnapped and raised by a terrorist organization Almukhtar Najl, an Emirati, must prove his worth in order to survive with the help of his spirit guide. Meanwhile, Lucien and John return to Chicago to catch up with Leon. Little do they know, the Investor has more in store for their ‘vacation’.
Two stories parallel each other, yet one question remains…
Who are the men with red eyes?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781663241115

Albert Armbrister

This is inspired from an idea of a multiview storyline. I wanted A story from two views. Two fighters from two different backgrounds. Lucien and Najl.

Book preview

Chapter 1

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There is no God greater than Allah! The Imam of Qubbat al-Sakhrah in Israel said on Ju’ of Haziran in the year 2008.

Najl! Najl Almukhtar! Pay attention to the Imam! A woman in a black burka said to the young boy.

Najl was ten years old at the time with soft skin and light, golden brown eyes. He was staring at the right corner of the room investigating something that caught his eye.

We must be vigilant against those who threaten Islam! the Imam continued, but Najl was not interested in the Khutbah. He stared intently at the corner of the room, at a white spirit. The spirit hovered in the corner observing the people. Najl watched the spirit until he was snatched up by his grandfather, donning a gray-white beard and a taqiya cap.

Najl! -his grandfather shouted- Listen to the Imam! Najl looked back in surprise.

Papa, I see something in the corner! Najl’s grandfather looked, scrutinizing where he pointed, but nothing was there.

His grandfather turned him around, placed him on the mat, and said sternly, Listen to the Imam, or after this pilgrimage, you’re going to see yourself in Al-Qaeda! You want that?!

Najl lowered his head and knelt down in front of the Imam.

Satisfied with Najl’s response, his grandfather bowed down as well. Najl turned back to the corner of the mosque hoping to see the spirit still there. Sure enough, the spirit was still there but looking the other way. Eventually, the Khutbah was completed, and the Muslim group left the mosque.

Outside of the mosque, Najl walked with his grandfather as a riot ensued between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Why? Why are they fighting for this land Papa? Najl asked, looking up to his grandfather.

Najl, we are Emiratis. This conflict is not necessarily our fight, but for the sake of Islam we must fight…-Najl’s grandfather continued walking past the riot and held out his hand to Najl- But, I’m tired of fighting Najl. This has turned into an unnecessary squabble. We will return to our hotel, worship for two more weeks, then travel back to the United Arab Emirates.

Fine, Papa. Najl said walking forward with his head down.

The two got into a taxi and rode to their hotel. The hotel was a seven-plus story hotel complex that had valet parking, a pool in the back of the complex, and multiple tourists moving in and out.

Najl’s grandfather thanked the native taxi driver, while Najl opened the rear door. He held his grandfather’s hand as they proceeded back to their room. The inside of the hotel had a large chandelier, wooden ceilings and floors, with a fountain near the entrance and guards in front. Najl and his grandfather walked through the main lobby to a pair of steel double-doored elevators opposite each other. Najl’s grandfather pressed the button for the fifth floor.

Suddenly, a distant voice was heard.

Ammar! Ammar Najl! A man with a ponytail, dressed in a black suit, walked briskly toward Najl’s grandfather. Ammar, sir! How are you?

I’m fine. But what can I do for you Mr…? -Ammar paused as the elevator door opened- I prefer business discussions in private.

It’s Mr.Seif. Codei Seif sir.

Ah! Mr. Seif! The son of Deen Seif! It’s been a while. Shall we continue?

Yes sir! But, only a brief conversation on the elevator. Codei said as Ammar shook his hand.

The two men and Najl walked into the elevator. Codei noticed the young Najl with him.

And who is this little guy, Mr. Najl?

Ah! This is my grandson, Almukhtar Najl.

Almukhtar? Why such a name sir?

I didn’t name him Seif. My daughter-in-law did.

Your daughter-in-law? Seif said, rubbing his well-groomed goatee with his hand as he scrutinized Najl through his glasses.

Yes -Ammar responded- Sadly, both my son and his wife have left to meet with Allah.

Oh praise be unto Allah -Seif responded- But why Almukhtar? Why not Mohammad?

Why were you not named after the great Mohammed Seif? Ammar retorted.

My mum named me Codei, and I’m grateful for that because of what happened when I was young.

And what happened exactly, Seif?

When I was younger, Sir Najl, there was an issue back at the school I attended in the United Arab Emirates. Back then a student with the name Mohammed was said to be the culprit of stealing. My class of 32, and the primary student body, of what I think was 1,600 children, were told to meet at the primary school grounds after school. Since the student’s name was Mohammed, everyone not named Mohammed was free to go.

What happened then, Seif? Ammar responded, observing Seif’s smirk.

Well sir, I and the non-Mohammed’s were sent home, and the rest had to stay after school to be searched, which took around three hours. Suffice to say the parents were not… Ecstatic about the unfortunate fiasco.

Ya rab. Ammar said shaking his head, while he held his taqiya with his hand.

Well sir, that is the reason I am grateful to be named Codei.

Good to hear Seif. But I ask you, are you related to that woman from Lebanon that is named Seif as well? I have attended meetings in Dubai with a woman that had that same surname.

Yes sir. I’m married to her for twelve years so far.

So tell me Seif, did she have her ‘operation’?

Operation? No sir. In Lebanon it wasn’t required, so she never had the operation.

And she lives in the U.A.E. without it?

Yes sir. It is still up for debate in the U.A.E., but it isn’t termed mandatory. Not to mention, we said nothing about it. So as long as we say nothing, the government knows nothing.

I see… Ammar responded, rubbing his short white beard, then glanced down at Najl. As Najl looked back up at him with his head tilted. The elevator bell sounded and the lift stopped. Ammar and Najl walked out, as Seif shouted,

Mr. Najl! After your visit is finished here in Israel, would you like to return to the United Emirates on the oil trade deals with America?

Yes, Sure! But I must get Najl back to his room! Inshallah I will be there!

Inshallah! Seif responded, as the elevator doors closed.

Ya rab! The Americans again… Ammar said rubbing his forehead.

Papa? What about the Americans? Najl asked, looking up to his grandfather.

That is something a ten year old should not worry about. You should enjoy your young life as much as you can.

Ok Papa. Najl responded as they walked to their room door.

The golden doorpost above the white door frame displayed room number 714. Ammar pulled a keycard out of his white thobe, slid it through the card key slot, then they both entered the room. In the room, was a large queen-sized bed, and a smaller single sized bed for Najl to sleep on. The walls were off-white with a slightly grainy finish. A caramel-coloured carpet lined the room from the entrance, all the way to the glass doors leading to the balcony. Ammar walked to the balcony doors, slid them open then moved to the kitchen. Najl observed through the open balcony door the Qubbat al-Sakhrah while sitting on the queen-sized bed.

Papa, can we fix those problems at the mosque?

It has been an issue for decades Najl. We have been fighting for over 40 years regarding that land of Jerusalem -Ammar said walking back to the queen-sized bed where Najl sat down gazing at the mosque- The conflict for the mosque seems like a never-ending struggle in Jerusalem. There was a war I was part of in 1967 when I was in Iraq. The idea was to take the country by force, but things didn’t work out as it should. Sometimes I wondered if we did something out of Allah’s will.

I don’t know about that, Papa. I just want to see the fighting end. Najl said, hugging his grandfather’s waist.

Ammar smiled.

Najl, you’re the only son of my son who is no longer with us. And I see him again in those little brown eyes of yours. Ammar said staring into the eyes of Najl. Najl, I only said I will send you to Al-Qaeda because I was angry. We are to listen to the Imam unwaveringly.

But Papa, I really saw something there in the corner!

What did it look like Najl?

It looked like a boy my size, without a face and no legs. It was white, like a cloud. But, it wasn’t looking at me. It was looking in front to the Imam. Like it was also looking at something.

A small boy Najl? I see… Ammar said, as he gazed at the mosque, still clutching Najl.

Chapter 2

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The following week, there was no sighting of the spirit as Najl worshipped in the mosque. Jumu’ah came and Najl saw the white spirit again; still looking forward, moving its head slowly right to left. He stared once again, then suddenly, there was silence in the Mosque.

NAJL!!! The Imam shouted, startling Najl, who quickly spun around to observe the irate Imam.

I am sorry Imam! I will never do –Najl’s was smitten by a quick backhand strike from the Imam. The blow caused him to fall a few feet from the Imam.

You will listen to the teachings of Allah or be punished for your insubordination! The Imam said walking away from Najl.

Najl turned around once again to look at the corner of the mosque where the white spirit was. Sure enough, it was still there looking at the front of the mosque.

Najl I told you... Ammar said while picking the boy up.

Papa, I’m sorry, but I just wanted to see if the white spirit was still there.

Najl, we will discuss this when we get home.

After the altercation, the mosque worshippers bowed in the direction of where the black stone of Mecca would be, then they were dismissed by the Imam. The mosque worshippers walked by the group of Israelis still protesting the Jerusalem grounds as Najl and his grandfather walked hand in hand until they reached the taxi.

Papa, why did the Imam slap me?

It was what I tried to avoid the last Friday we were here, Najl. The Imam was watching you as well, so I sent the woman to reprimand you.

Reprimand Papa?

It means to correct or chastise Najl. Najl, avoid angering the Imam or we may have to leave for the U.A.E. next week.

Yes Papa. Najl said lowering his head. The two got into a taxi then drove away.

Najl and his grandfather arrived at the hotel, called an elevator then walked back to their room. Dusk began to settle over the Israeli land while Najl observed the darkened mosque.

Najl I have a small meeting with that Seif guy. Your food is on the table. Ask Allah to bless the food and you can eat.

Ok Papa. Najl responded as he continued to observe the mosque.

Ammar got dressed in a black suit with his white taqiya cap. He fiddled in a drawer for a small booklet, then left the hotel room. As his grandfather was leaving, Najl walked into the small white kitchen to find a small plate of Mansaf prepared for his dinner on the medium-sized stone countertop. He prayed over the meal, and then watched some TV as he ate. Eventually, Najl fell asleep.

Najl... a voice called in his dreams. In Najl’s dream, he saw a black forest. Helicopters flew over the forest while an orange moon glowed above the trees. Above him, men were shouting,

Where is he?! We need to find him!

Quick, Najl! Hide behind the trees! The voice said behind his left ear.

Najl obeyed the voice and hid behind the trees. Men in black combat gear rappelled down from the helicopters hovering above. With glowing red eyes, they went from tree to tree in search of Najl. Najl hugged closely to the large, dark tree he was hiding behind. One of the soldiers suddenly glanced in his direction and sprinted towards the tree. Najl turned his back instinctively to flatten himself more against the tree to avoid the armored soldier. The soldier moved to one side and then quickly to the other. Najl shifted right, then left to avoid the soldier.

Who... Who are these men? Najl said under his breath in fear of being heard.

These are the future soldiers of the new world where everyone will follow one God.

God? You mean Allah? Najl said quietly, listening for the voice. The voice said nothing.

COME HERE!!! A loud, thunderous voice shouted.

Suddenly, Najl’s right arm was gripped by an armored soldier and his body was sharply tugged to the right. He turned to look at the soldier who apprehended him, only to gaze into a single red glowing eye that stared at him. He screamed and jolted awake, only to see his grandfather who had picked him up.

Najl! It’s only a dream!

Najl started to shake slightly, then calmed down. Ammar laid him onto his bed and asked, Najl, what happened in your dream?

Papa, there were men with red eyes. They were looking for me, Papa. I heard a voice tell me to hide, but they still managed to find me.

Men with red eyes? Ya Rab! Could you make out their faces? Did they speak English?

Yes Papa, they spoke English but I only saw their red eyes. Everything else about them was dark.

I don’t know if Allah allowed you to see a vision, Najl, but don’t worry about it. It was only a dream. Go back to sleep little one. This is our last week in Jerusalem.

Ok Papa. Najl responded. He sluggishly got up from his grandfather’s bed and crawled into the smaller hotel bed nearby.

The final Friday of the three week visit arrived. Najl and his grandfather arrived an hour earlier to the mosque before service began. As Najl walked in with his grandfather, a voice called out to them.

Ah! Sir Ammar! We need to talk to you about some issues. A tall man in a white taquiya and thobe walked in front of them from inside the mosque.

Ya rab... Ammar said under his breath, but Najl looked up at his grandfather in wonderment.

Yes, Saeed? How may I help you?

Well sir, there is some business we have to discuss if you don’t mind speaking in the inner room. Saeed said, bowing to Ammar.

I see. One moment Saeed -Ammar said then turned to look down into Najl’s brown eyes- Najl, I will deal with Mr. Saeed. You can wait for me near that pillar. It will only be twenty minutes. Understood?

Yes, Papa. Najl said, drooping his head.

Ammar released Najl’s hand and walked with Saeed. Najl did as directed by his grandfather and sat next to the pillar. He sat back at first to gaze up at the mosque’s ceiling. Then, Najl suddenly had the urge to turn back to the corner where the spirit was ‘standing’. He turned left to see the white spirit with a small upper torso and no face. This time, the spirit was ‘looking’ back at him! He quickly turned back to lean on the pillar then heard a light masculine voice say, I know you see me, now come to me.

The sound of the voice caused Najl to shudder. The spirit finally noticed him. He turned again to look at the faceless spirit.

Come to me Najl... The spirit said, extending its right hand towards the boy.The way the spirit said his name sounded ominous. Najl walked forward unconsciously to the spirit. As Najl moved closer to the spirit, his steps appeared odd, as if he tried to stop himself but couldn’t. It took a slow ten seconds, but Najl finally stood face to face with the faceless spirit.

So I finally see you Najl. But, I was looking for someone else. I am seeking the next prophet.

Najl did not speak, he just gazed at the spirit as if in a trance."

I am Zeruel.

Ze-Zeruel? Najl responded wide-eyed at the faceless Zeruel.

Yes. I am here to look for the future prophet.

A future prophet like the great prophet Mohammed?

The future prophet will not be a prophet of this religion; but one like it, yet much greater. You will be a prophet of a new way of life for the world. Because there is an even greater enemy coming to destroy all religions of this old world.

A greater enemy? Even greater than Islam?

Yes, much greater and more ferocious than Islam will ever be. They are even making nibbles at the world right now. Your grandfather has some involvement, but he does not know them as yet.

My Papa? But he just was out with some men.

I see -the spirit paused briefly- But, as I said you are necessary. I will-

NAJL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! The Imam of the Mosque shouted as he stormed towards Najl, who stood staring into the corner of the mosque.

So this Imam is an obstacle for you Najl? The faceless Zeruel asked as it adjusted its head to look over Najl’s shoulder.

NAJL! I AM TALKING TO YOU! NOW TURN AROUND BEFORE I STRIKE YOU!

Najl, do you want me to get rid of this ‘obstacle’ for you? Zeruel asked.

I SAID TURN AROUND BOY! The Imam roared, while Najl stared at the faceless Zeruel.

Do you want me to... Cast him away from us Najl? Zeruel inquired softly.

YOU WILL LISTEN TO ME OR YOU WILL BE STRUCK!

Last chance Najl, will it be the loud Imam or will you become the prophet you were born to be? The faceless Zeruel asked.

Najl just blinked. The Imam, with his right hand raised, positioned himself for better momentum. With all of his strength, he hurled his arm down to strike Najl on the right side of his head. Suddenly, a white figure rose above Najl’s head, then rushed at the Imam. The Imam propelled backwards as if a blast of air knocked him off his feet. He sailed 13 feet before rolling to a rest, unconscious. Onlookers and those nearby sprinted to assist the unconscious Imam.

As you wished Najl. The Imam will be removed for today. Zeruel said.

It took ten minutes, but after the commotion, Ammar emerged out of a room with Mr. Saeed and a brown envelope in his hand.

Najl? NAJL!!! Ammar shouted while he ran to Najl facing the corner.

Here comes your grandfather, Najl. It’s time you get some rest.

R-Rest? Najl asked unsurely.

Yes. Now, go to sleep. Zeruel replied.

Suddenly, Najl’s eyes became boulders, his legs limp as a newborn. The last thing Najl heard as he lost consciousness was his grandfather’s distant shouts.

Chapter 3

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In the midst of the darkness Najl began to wake with a blink. He glanced left to see a machine nearby, then right to the outside door. As his eyes focused, he was able to make out a nurse with olive skin, freckles, dark hair and in a white uniform observing him from the doorpost. He continued gazing at the nurse until her eyes widened. She shouted running in the hallway, He’s awake! He’s awake!

Following her announcement, multiple footsteps could be heard as a doctor with dark hair and glasses along with Ammar ran back to Najl’s hospital room.

Almukhtar Najl you’re back! The doctor exclaimed running to the machines to the left of Najl.

Najl sat up observing his grandfather who ran up to him and hugged him.

I’ve never seen this amount of love from a Muslim. The doctor said while shutting off the life support machine.

I had one son and I lost him in the Afghanistan war. The last thing I need is for the Great Allah to take him too. Ammar said while hugging Najl, as the blankets slowly unraveled from Najl’s upper chest. The doctor slowly walked with the machine out of the room quietly.

Thank Allah Najl for he has brought you back. Ammar said while still hugging Najl.

Over his grandfather’s right shoulder, Najl noticed a white cloud slowly forming. It took a few minutes, but the cloud finally formed into the faceless, legless, white cloudlike Zeruel.

Good to see you as well, Najl. Your grandfather seemed quite worried about your wellbeing.

Should I tell him about you, Zeruel? Najl asked loudly. The question caught Ammar by surprise. He suddenly moved Najl off his shoulder and asked, Zeruel? Who is Zeruel, Najl?

Zeruel is a-

Don’t say anything Najl. He must not know that I followed you here. And, when you speak to me, use your mind instead of speaking out loud. Understood Najl?

Y-Yes. Najl responded mentally to Zeruel.

Good Najl. This will be our own secret. Our own taqiyya...

Taqiyya?

Don’t worry about the word. This is our new beginning. For now we will follow the Islamic way until the time comes.

Ok I will.

Good. Now, comfort your grandfather. I will travel with you back to the U.A.E. Zeruel said, as it slowly disappeared from view.

It’s ok Papa. We will be ok. Let’s go back home. Najl said hugging his grandfather.

Ammar smiled as he embraced his grandson. Yes Najl. Yes. Let’s go home.

Two days after Najl’s release from the hospital, Najl and Ammar took a three hour long flight from Israel to the U.A.E. Ammar wore a black business suit with only a white taquiya cap, while Najl was dressed in a white thobe. A black aghal bound the white keffiyeh that donned his head. They walked out of the Dubai airport holding hands and waited for their ride. Not long after, a black limo pulled up and then the driver door opened. A young Arab man with a goatee, dark shades, outfitted in a black driver cap and suit, walked out and greeted Najl and Ammar.

Ah, sir Ammar how are you? The limo driver said, opening the rear door for Ammar and Najl.

Thank you son. You look like you recently joined the company. What is your name? Ammar queried before he hopped into the limo.

My name is Akeem Baquri.

Akeem? How long have you been with this limo company?

About three weeks sir.

Three weeks? Ammar repeated as he scratched his beard, while scrutinizing the newly recruited driver in the dim light-Nevertheless, we must continue. I have to get home Mr. Baquri. How long will the trip take?

That all depends on where you live sir.

The response by the newly appointed driver tensed Ammar.

I am a long term customer from this limo company, yet they have not informed you of where I live, Mr. Baquri? Can you call them? I prefer my location to be a secret.

Very well Sir Ammar Just a few minutes. Baquri said bowing to Ammar.

Najl watched as his grandfather closed the limo door, then leaned on the limo to study Baquri. Baquri walked a few feet away, silently listening to his possible dispatcher. A few minutes later, he walked back to Ammar and bowed. My deepest apologies Mr. Najl. I have the coordinates of your living quarters. Shall we go sir?

Very well Baquri. Now, if you please. Ammar said suggesting to Baquri.

Baquri noticed and followed the suggestion to open the limo door.