The Sons of Light

By Warren M. Mueller

The Dawn Herald Trilogy concludes with the revelation of the identities of the twelve sons of light. The survivors of the fall of the last stronghold resisting the Brotherhood of Andhun seek refuge among the elves in the Valley of Glainne. A council is called during which the Creator appears as a shimmering globe of light. Tom, Oriana, Min and others receive different telepathic instructions about quests that they must complete before the sons of light are revealed. Thus, begins several parallel stories that converge in a climactic battle as the armies of Devlin surround and invade the Forbidden Mountains, which holds a glowing slab of rock with magical powers. Don't miss the conclusion of this exciting adventure in which an ancient prophecy is fulfilled and selected beings are transformed into sons of light that herald a new age in the history of the earth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781643492407

Warren M. Mueller

Warren was dramatically saved through faith in Jesus Christ by the witness of a deacon from a Bible believing church who took him through key verses in Romans. Before this, he had attended church, but he never had a born-again relationship with Jesus. After his conversion, he began to read the Bible and study it daily. This practice has continued since his salvation birthday in October 1979. Warren has read through the Bible numerous times and has memorized key verses to guide and sustain him. He has taught many small groups and Sunday School classes, served as a deacon and he has spoken in many churches as a member of the Gideons. For information about Warren’s other writings, go to his web site at www.warrenmueller.com

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The Sons of Light

Warren M Mueller

ISBN 978-1-64349-238-4 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88685-248-6 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-64349-240-7 (digital)

Copyright © 2018 by Warren M Mueller

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Dark Messenger

The Fountain of Glainne

The Counsel of Lords

The Parting

Min's Adventure

Gatherings

Pandemonium

Andhun's Place

Return to Camlin

Trapped

Confrontation

Strange Companions

Trial by Fire

The End of Camlin

The Fate of the Fugitives

Return to Kilkenny

Andhun's Vision

Sharat's Revenge

Strange Surroundings

Devlin Stirs

Devlin's Triumph

Return to Taliesin

Desperate Flight

Lord Ceowulf

Conflict Within

Devlin's Reign

Resolution

Epilogue

Characters

Places and Things

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Dark Messenger

Ablack shadow hurdled down a bottomless shaft that split the earth to its core. The demon Gorbash folded his large, batlike wings tightly around his body and pressed his arms to his sides as he plunged into the blackness at breakneck speed. The importance of his message urged him on.

I must be first to reach Devlin, he told himself. Master Molech would be most displeased if someone else arrived with the news he had given me.

Waves of conflicting emotions washed over him. The dread of failure alternated with elation at the honor that would be his in delivering great news.

Molech has honored me because he chose me to deliver this message for him.

But why choose you? Did you not fail to keep Tom's father under guard? Didn't this result in his disappearance? Isn't Tom's father now likely with the elves?

He replied to himself, Surely my many years of faithful service and other successes outweigh one failure. Besides, it was not my fault. I was ambushed by a horde of elves.

Nevertheless, fear nagged him because he knew that Molech had never forgiven anyone or failed to punish those who failed him. Gorbash shuddered as he realized this, and he fought a growing sense of panic. He consoled himself by thinking, Devlin will be pleased with the news I bring. There is nothing to fear.

After several minutes of free-falling, he heard faint singing that signaled his approach to the outer rim of Devlin's throne room. He unfurled his wings to break his speed and spread his arms and legs, revealing razor-sharp talons.

I am a Pyrigian! Elite demon of high rank in the service of Devlin! I will not cower or show fear! Others shall fear me!

As he entered the throne room, he was immersed in a sea of spirits praising Devlin. He proceeded toward the center of the swirling maelstrom of spirits by flapping his wings, kicking and slashing at lesser spirits such as those of men. He enjoyed the disruption and fear that his entrance caused.

Although there were millions of spirits swirling around Devlin, he immediately sensed the disturbance caused by the entrance of Gorbash. Devlin sat upright upon his massive golden throne with his eyes closed so that he could concentrate on the worshipping throng. As Gorbash approached, Devlin opened one cat-like eye and shifted his attention from the narcotic pleasure of being worshipped to the intruder.

Gorbash became more subdued as he approached Devlin and prostrated himself at the base of the throne.

What brings you here, Gorbash of the Pyrigians? asked Devlin as he opened his other eye and stared out at the swirling masses surrounding them.

Gorbash felt the knot in his stomach tighten, but he fought it back and lifted his head as he said, I have an urgent message from Lord Molech.

Devlin realized that Molech would not disturb him unless there was something of great significance to report. Although he was curious, Devlin waited several minutes before responding, forcing Gorbash to remain prostrate waiting for permission to speak. He slowly leaned forward while tightening his grip on the armrests of his throne. He did not want to appear anxious or concerned, so he looked around at the swirling masses of worshipping spirits before fixing his gaze on Gorbash.

Speak! he growled.

Most mighty and magnificent master, I bring great news! Gorbash tried to sound bold and confident, but his voice came out squeaky and wavering. Gorbash paused savoring the importance of the moment, but he soon became uneasy as he felt Devlin's eyes boring into him.

Anger swelled within Devlin as he was not used to being made to wait. He growled, Speak, impertinent maggot, or I'll rip out your tongue!

Gorbash quivered from head to toe as he realized his error in making Devlin wait.

Lochlemond has fallen! The palace has been reduced to rubble by explosives. The opposition leaders have been killed except for a few scattered bandits.

Bandits? mused Devlin.

Yes, my lord, their leader is called Cyric. He is the illegitimate son of King Vulpes and lives in a remote and hidden village called Camlin. We have recently discovered its location and have helped Andhun's scouts to find it.

A brief smile flickered across Devlin's face, which encouraged Gorbash to continue.

"Andhun is leading the combined armies of five kingdoms to crush the remaining resistance. It will not be long before the entire earth is unified, following your will, as revealed in The Once and Forever Ruler!"

At the mention of this title, the swirling masses of spirits began to chant, Hail Devlin! The Once and Forever Ruler!

Devlin smiled, closed his eyes, and savored this chant, which grew in volume and intensity. Gorbash also took up the chant and raised himself from the floor as he saw the pleasure this gave Devlin. He began to imagine the honor and glory that would be his forever as the herald of a new age where Devlin rules the earth. He even imagined himself sitting beside Devlin on a golden throne, with Molech seated on the other side.

His pleasant vision flared and faded as the smile on Devlin's face suddenly disappeared. Devlin opened his eyes and said, What happened to the seeing stone bearer named Tom? Was he not part of the rebellion?

Gorbash replied, Yes, my lord, he was one of the rebel leaders killed in the destruction of the palace.

Devlin thought about this and slowly began to drum his talons on the armrests of his throne. He looked intently at Gorbash examining him as if looking for something.

Where is it? Devlin asked.

Gorbash broke into a cold sweat as his mind raced to figure out what Devlin was asking. It? he finally squeaked.

The stone! Devlin growled.

Gorbash shuddered as he struggled to find a response. He suddenly saw the honor that he hoped Molech would bestow on him change into the doom he now faced.

Stone? he asked, hoping to convince Devlin of his ignorance and innocence.

Well then, if you did not bring it, perhaps you can tell me where it is? Devlin replied with an icy stare.

Gorbash sensed a glimmer of hope and seized on this chance to save himself.

Yes, master! The stone is in the ruins of Lochlemond.

Devlin slowly said, I see, while he continued to stare intently at him like a cat about to pounce on a mouse.

Are you quite sure of this? Devlin asked.

Yes, master, it must be so.

Devlin smiled cruelly and mocked Gorbash as he said, Must be? Why must it be? And if it is so, then where is the soul of Tom, the stone bearer? Surely you must have at least seen it if he is dead?

Gorbash was speechless, and he felt as if the ground was sinking away beneath him as he saw the truth of Devlin's questions. Tom must somehow still be alive, and he still had the seeing stone. He shut his eyes and shook visibly as he awaited Devlin's response.

Idiot! Fool! You are a disgrace to your rank! Devlin roared as he stood up and towered over Gorbash.

Gorbash felt a sharp pain in his shoulders as Devlin's talons dug deep into him. Devlin picked him up and shook him like a rag doll as he proclaimed, The abyss shall henceforth be your home!

Devlin held Gorbash in one hand and with the other pulled on a chain that raised a stone slab over the abyss. He tossed Gorbash down the shaft and into the fiery pit. Once the slab was lowered, Devlin returned to his throne and thought, I must have a seeing stone!

Belloc, report!

Immediately, a large demon appeared from near the throne and prostrated himself.

Take all the Pyrigians and scour both earths until you find me a seeing stone.

Yes, my lord. We will not rest. We will not fail.

Devlin smiled cruelly and replied, You will join Gorbash if you do. Now go!

A black cloud of demons coalesced behind Belloc as he flew from the throne room. Devlin noticed that the din caused by the remaining worshippers was diminished by the departure of the Pyrigians. He lamented that not all the human spirits of those who recently died were present. Those who died resisting the Brotherhood of Andhun and who did not believe in The Once and Forever Ruler were not being captured by his demons.

I am surrounded by incompetents! Perhaps I should go and take charge of things myself.

No, let Molech finish defeating the remnants of the resistance, and then I will appear as the absolute ruler of the earth!

His attention returned to the worshipping swarm surrounding him, and he immersed himself in the pleasure of their praises.

The Fountain of Glainne

Several months had passed since the fall of Lochlemond. Tom's leg mended quickly thanks to the medicines of the elves and the healing properties of the fountain of Glainne. The source of the water that flowed from this fountain was a spring that boiled from a pool in the center of the valley. The elves believed that the Creator once touched the earth at this spot with his finger to create the spring. Their legends held that this was the reason for the healing properties of the water, which also gave extended youth and life to the creatures of Glainne.

Tom sat in one of the twelve stone chairs that surrounded the pool. As he stared into the crystal clear water, he noticed that walls of the pool were made of smooth rock. He could see down through the water at least one hundred feet before the light failed. The black inky appearance lacked any details and suggested that the bottom was still much farther below. There was a channel cut in the rock slab between each of the stone chairs that carried the water throughout the valley.

Deep in thought? whispered Willet, who had silently approached Tom from behind as he stared into the pool.

Tom was startled but quickly relaxed as he recognized Willet's voice. He continued to contemplate the endless effusion of crystalline water as he replied.

So much has changed. He sighed.

Yet much remains, Willet replied as he sat in the stone chair beside Tom and joined him in watching the roiling pool of water.

So much has happened since I was but a lad in Downs End that I feel a thousand years old.

Willet smiled and nodded his head. He looked at Tom and said, Now you know that fantasy and reality are but a dream apart. Your perception of the world has greatly expanded.

Tom nodded his head and looked hopefully at Willet.

What shall become of us? The path before me is dark, and I do not know what to do.

What do you mean? asked Willet.

I sense that everything is changing, and I'm afraid. I don't know if the people and places I love will be altered for good or evil.

Go on, Willet replied as he began to stroke his long white beard.

Evil has enveloped the world I knew, and I fear that it will spread here as well. I wish we could just continue to be together in this place forever!

Willet thought for a moment and replied, Being reunited with your parents and friends in such a beautiful place is a great blessing. However, this place is but an oasis in this world, and it will change for better or worse as the fate of this world is decided.

Tom replied, The dread of leaving this place and those I love is upon me. I fear losing them.