At the Water's Edge: Salvation on the Banks of the River Styx

By John Eudy

In this sequel to A Glorious Day in Hell, Cælius-a Roman legionnaire-learns about the one true God from Ioannes on their journey to Jerusalem. After his friend is killed on the battlefield, he goes through a conversion of heart. This conversion not only leads to God but to a change in his military status. He leaves the legion to become a sailor in the Roman Navy.

Over the next couple of years, Cælius achieves a small amount of peace as he sails the Mediterranean Sea. When his ship Pax makes port calls, he discretely visits local rabbis who teach him more about God. Unfortunately, some of his shipmates take notice of the changes in his demeanor, behaviors, and port call activities; they become suspicious of him. His faith is revealed and tested during a storm off the coast of Cyprus, where he gives his life trying to save his shipmates. Cælius later wakes to find himself floating down the River Styx into hell.

What happens to him there? Can he evade the demonic raiders and underwater monsters seeking lost souls? Does he find his friend Ioannes? Will he, too, witness the appearance of Christ, or is he too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638445319

Book preview

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At the

Water’s Edge

Salvation on the Banks of the River Styx

John Eudy

ISBN 978-1-63844-530-2 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63844-531-9 (digital)

Copyright © 2021 by John Eudy

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, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

A Discovery in Heaven

From Soldier to Sailor

Drowning in Sin

The River Styx

Onward and Upward, My Friend

Christianity is under persecution in certain regions, countries, states, communities, and media these days. One might be uncomfortable speaking or spreading the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.

This book is dedicated to those who step out of their comfort zone continually, or even just once or twice, to speak boldly and fondly of our Lord Jesus.

To my friend Marc who asked me to consider his Christian faith when I struggled with one of my greatest personal trials.

To my friend Sean who goes into foreign nations to provide Christian services and spread the good news of Christ.

To my mentor Monsignor Midaš who frequently dined with me, teaching and encouraging me as I grew in faith.

May they—and all—always find the courage to live and speak boldly of our Lord. One never knows who they will discover in heaven simply because they spoke the truth.

Thank you, Trina, Jordan, Tim, Paul, and Justin for not only being good shipmates and friends but for offering your wisdom and inspiration too.

Prologue

A Discovery in Heaven

My name is Ioannes. I was given a gift recently— the gift , actually. I was blessed by our Lord Jesus with the gift of salvation and eternal life in paradise.

I had died on a distant battlefield, was taken on a brutal journey into the underworld, and languished there for a time. Our Lord appeared in limbo after his crucifixion, mercifully rescuing me and many others from eternal torment and agony. Afterward, the angel Præsidiel escorted me to heaven and placed me on my current path. I have since been steadily and joyfully following a well-laid stone road toward a gleaming city on the hill. It is there I hope to see our Lord again—to be present when He returns from his work in the underworld and on Earth.

Though much like the ones I had helped build as a Roman soldier, this road seemed to be better constructed and more easily trod by my bare feet. The level road was perfectly hewn out of the hills, meandering and rising toward the city.

I picked it up close to the grassy outcropping where I first set foot. At first, it was lined by outcroppings of rock with small grasses and blue squill flowers popping up between the rock. Further up, small fig trees and patches of purple lavender adorned the road. Beyond that, on my right side, lay beautiful fields of wheat. A light and fragrant breeze blew across its surface, and the grass swayed and moved like waves on the water.

On my left, a rather lush olive tree grew up from the tan stone alongside the road, which kept my gaze. Something fascinated me about it. The detail and beauty of its bark stood out; its massive brown trunk twisted and turned upward as though it had been dancing and twirling in the presence of God. Ripe green olives filled its canopy of verdant leaves.

Upon reaching it, I noticed a subtle and a little less traveled trail branching off from the road. I stopped, climbed up on the largest stone near the tree, and rested. From that elevated position, I observed the new path and its destination. The path appeared to run almost parallel, albeit much more winding, toward the city on the hill. It meanders between the road and a clear stream of the purest water. A long row of enormous eucalyptus trees lines a portion of the path, leading to a short waterfall upstream. The blue-and-white cascades splash beautifully on the tan rocks below,