Morning Star and the Red Dragon

By Charlotte Dickison

Morning Star and the Red Dragon is one whopper of a story told by a grandpa to his grandson. Christian fiction describing the lives of angelic sci-fi characters in the spiritual world of Paradise, combined with Grandpa’s family experiences filled with humor, drama, and mystery creates a fascinating read for teenagers and adults.

Morning Star is the main character based loosely on the Bible. A fictional character story of celestial beings in the spiritual realm. Residents in the spiritual universe are individuals aware of their existence, possessing their own personalities designed with specific talents and purpose. Grandpa’s story reveals a creative glimpse into the mystical world of the spiritual universe and culminates into a unique spin on the creation story, blending biblical, extrabiblical, archeological, and historical evidence.

Grandpa and his identical twin brother have experienced numerous hilarious, fascinating life situations; their stories are sprinkled throughout the book, adding a charming family spin. Additionally, Grandpa cleverly weaves story threads about family members’ life experiences while serving in the military; however, most of the stories originated from Grandpa’s creative imagination. Overall, a thoroughly thrilling, entertaining book packed with intriguing stories about people’s lives filled with drama and mystery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638743644

Book preview

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Morning Star and the Red Dragon

Charlotte Dickison

Copyright © 2021 by Charlotte Dickison

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

Tell Me a Story, Grandpa

Paradise Academy

The Orientation

It’s a Mystery

Watchman

Wild Ride!

Taiwan

Coming Home

Anticipation

The Grand Adventure Begins

Expectations

Ruling Prince

Twin Rivers

The Community Meeting

Boys

The Eme-seres

Eme-seres

You Want What?

The Liaison

The Briefing

Wings

Reaching for the Stars

The Surprise

Communicating with the Stars

Guardians

I Can Do This!

The Five I Wills

This book is dedicated to my parents. They both understood I love telling stories!

Their words of encouragement have lived in my thoughts for decades: If you’re going to tell a story, make sure it’s a whopper. Please don’t let your gift of words go to waste!

However, this book would not have been possible without the help and support from my husband, David Jack Dickison. He listened tirelessly to my brainstorms and surprised me by becoming an excellent muse.

Introduction

Somewhere, perhaps light years away from Earths’ galaxy, there exists a celestial realm. The residents in this royal kingdom are exquisitely designed angelic creatures. Each individual is aware of their own existence, possess their own personality, and are uniquely equipped with specific talents to accomplish their designed purpose.

At some point in eternity past, these gorgeous creatures were dispersed across a vast spiritual realm. Suddenly, they heard simultaneously a familiar trumpet call. Heads lifted, acknowledging they recognized the royal invitation proclaiming, "come home." Creatures far and wide transported themselves instantly to their home in Paradise to attend the celebration of Paradise’s newest citizen; his name was Morning Star.

Book I

Beginnings

Chapter 1

Tell Me a Story, Grandpa

It was Friday afternoon; Eric was sitting in the front passenger seat of his dad’s brand-new car. Silently, he watched his dad turn the steering wheel, swinging the car curbside, rolling to a stop in front of his grandparents’ home. Eric’s parents traveled a lot. The Friday afternoon drop-offs had become a familiar routine for Eric and his grandparents.

Eric was bright, energic, and very curious; he’s the kind of boy you keep busy, or he will keep you busy was the familiar description Eric’s grandparents used to describe their grandson. Eric grabbed his backpack, opened the car door without saying a word to his parents, and got out. Then dutifully stood on the curb facing his parents’ car, waving his goodbye. His mother climbed out of the rear seat and settled into the front passenger seat. Closing the car door she rolled down her window, smiling, sweetly said, Have a good time, dear.

Eric continued to watch their car drive away until it turned the corner a couple of blocks down the street. He immediately turned around and ran toward his grandparents’ home. "Grandpa!’ Eric yelled, racing up the sidewalk. He loved being gathered up into his grandpa’s arms, feeling his grandpa squeeze him tightly against his chest in a bear hug embrace.

Earlier that same morning Jack had gotten up early. He enjoyed quiet mornings sipping his coffee and reading. His morning solitude was interrupted by the grandfather clock’s familiar chime in the hall. He glanced at his watch and realized Eric would arrive soon. He gulped the last swig of coffee from his favorite mug. Although his mug was chipped and worn, he refused to part with it because on one side was a faded picture of his son, Joshua, when he was a boy. Jack smiled to himself as he sat studying the photo, reminiscing fond memories of times gone by. He sighed heavily as he slowly placed his mug on the side table next to his chair, then picked up the book in his lap, put a bookmarker in between the pages before closing it and placing it next to his mug. He sat back in his recliner waiting, listening.

Suddenly smiling, Jack leaned forward to stand up. He recognized the familiar distinctive roar, a unique rumble specific to his son’s pride and joy. Jack remembered the excitement in his son’s voice the day he called to brag about his incredible sweet new ride! Jack had dutifully responded with the appropriate parental response, Great news, son, so what kind of car did you purchase? Joshua had declared enthusiastically into his cellphone, Dad, this isn’t just any ride, it’s a candy apple-red Ferrari Portofino with a twin turbocharged 3.9L engine!

Jack remembered smirking and shouting back a what, that sounds like a vintage wine, not a car! I thought I was being funny. Apparently, Josh didn’t think so because he’d hung up.

Here he comes making the usual grand entrance, thought Jack, shaking his head. Sure, wish my boy would make time to come in for even a few minutes to say hello. His mother sure misses him. Reluctantly, Jack had to admit to himself that he missed the good ol’ days when he and his son had been pals. Jack opened his front door and observed his grandson waving goodbye to his parents.

Josh revved his car’s engine a couple of times, showing off his sweet new ride again reflected Jack watching his son’s car pull into the street and drive away. Jack stepped down off the threshold onto the front porch to greet his grandson.

Eric ran up the front steps, yelling, Hi, Grandpa, I’m finally here!

Jack smothered a chuckle and responded, So, I see.

Jack stooped down and lifted his grandson up, hugging him tightly. Eric buried his head into his grandpa’s shoulder. Then still carrying Eric, Jack turned to enter his home.

Once inside, Jack used one foot to close the front door behind them, then let Eric slide from his arms to the floor. Okay, said Jack, go upstairs and put your backpack on your bed. I’ll meet you on the deck.

Without hesitation, Eric charged up the stairs to his room; pulling off his backpack, he slung it onto his bed. Then he turned to hurry from his bedroom to the staircase banister, leaning over the top rail, his eyes searching for his grandpa. You promised to tell me a story! Racing down the stairs, then down the hallway catching up with his grandpa, who was already halfway to the patio door entrance to the deck. You haven’t forgotten, have you, Grandpa?

Jack knew his grandson was lonely. An only child, given pretty much everything a boy could want. What was missing was intentional quality time doing activities with his parents. Jack looked down at his grandson standing beside him. Eric had been a preemie. His towhead grandson was small for his age. Jack’s six-foot-two-inch frame towered over his grandson. Jack suddenly realized he’s grown taller. His head is finally above my beltline.

At the moment, his grandson’s towhead was tilted back so he could stare expectantly up at his grandpa. Eric’s eyes were a unique ice cycle silver with blue flecks; very rare, he’d been told. Eric stood grinning up at his grandpa, sliding his tiny hand in one of his grandpa’s huge hands.

Jack smiled, remembering his doctor had called his hands paws. His gnarled hands and rugged muscular frame clearly testified he experienced a lot of hard physical labor. Jack winced; his body reminded him every day of the injuries he’d survived doing what he loved, breathing new life into old buildings. Restoration construction was labor-intensive, profitable but very hazardous.

Jack had been forced to retire a couple of years ago. It had been hard to accept at first, but his body was a walking miracle having experienced multiple surgeries to repair broken bones and lacerated flesh. Construction was a profession where accidents happened, in his case, frequently. So much so, his twin brother, Jerry had dubbed him accident-pro. He had his share of injuries, that’s for sure, so many that his wife, Millie, had nicknamed him Humpty-dumpty.

Grandpa, did you forget?

No, no I haven’t, son, I was just thinking about what kind of story.

I know, volunteered Eric. Tell me a story, a special story just for me, Grandpa.

Hmm, mused Jack. A special story? I suppose it has got to be a whopper too, doesn’t it?

Yep! said Eric gleefully. A whopper is just what I need.

Well, okay, said Jack, but this story might take a while to tell. You ready for a really big story?

Eric raced past the kitchen heading in a beeline toward the patio door, arriving with an impressive sliding stop. Flashing a grin in the direction of his grandpa, he opened the patio door entrance to the deck located in the rear of the house. Jack followed his grandson. The deck had been Jack’s surprise gift to his wife. Their deck added a huge value to the house aesthetically and functionally. He’d done some research about the best kind of deck materials and had discovered Ipe, a Brazilian walnut. A hardwood adaptable to Florida’s rainy season and hurricanes. Jack smiled to himself, remembering how pleased he was to learn. It was naturally resistant to insects, and best of all, it was not filled with chemicals. Plus, it was stunning!

Jack followed his grandson outside. Their deck had become an outside living area—comfortable deck chairs, side tables potted plants, even an outdoor kitchen and picnic table. The lanai was added so they could enjoy the deck pretty much year around. The view was spectacular because their deck faced Matanzas Bay. Jack and his wife loved living in Anastasia, a barrier island located across the bay from Saint Augustine, Florida. The whole area was rich with history. Saint Augustine was famous because it had been a Spanish settlement established in 1565, making it the oldest city in the entire United States.

Jack snapped out of his daydreaming mode when Eric flopped down into his favorite deck chair, announcing, I’m ready! I might need a glass of milk and some cookies too if it’s gonna be a whopper.

Jack grinned. I think that can be arranged. I happen to know your grandma made her famous cookies this morning. But, continued Jack with a fake stern voice, we need only a cookie or two because Grandma is making supper soon, and she’ll notice if we don’t eat our supper. You good with that?

Eric jumped up out of his deck chair shouting a challenge, Bet I can beat you to the cookie jar! Several cookies and two glasses of milk later, Eric patted his tummy and said, Boy, oh boy, Grandma makes the best cookies ever!

Jack chuckled and responded, I think so too, buddy. You ready to get started with your story?

Eric wiggled into his supercomfortable listening position. Yes. A whopper. Remember you said it was going to be a whopper!

Jack cleared his throat to begin when Eric interrupted with typical boyish enthusiasm, What’s the name of this story anyway, Grandpa? Have I ever heard this story before?

Jack grinned. Eric, this story has been passed down from family to family for generations, but no, I’ve not told you this story before. I’m positive you’ll enjoy it, though.

This story began when a famous angel named Morning Star first opened his eyes. Inhaling his first deep breath, he felt a supercharged current, powerful and exhilarating surge through his body. He sat up! Blinking his eyelids furiously, anxious to clear his foggy vision, while his brain raced to explain his first thought, Where am I? Suddenly, the blur in his vision cleared. An elaborate, graceful swirling dance was being exquisitely performed all around him to stimulating amplified sounds. Millions of gleaming creatures seemed to be looking at him fondly. As if they know me. Morning Star stared amazed at the variety of the creatures’ shapes and sizes, some with wings, others were producing sounds. Morning Star somehow knew that’s what is called singing. Captivated and charmed, he stared fascinated. Gorgeous! he exclaimed.

Instinctively, he shifted himself to continue watching, curiously following an enchanting rhythmic sequence in the elaborate dance. An unexpected flash of brilliant light startled him, and he experienced his first reflex jump. Puzzled, he glanced down searching for the mysterious source of the flash. He examined his body and instantly became hypnotized by its elegance. He was covered in a mosaic pattern of elaborate, beautiful, smooth, shiny, hard stones. As he stared at them, he realized they must have names; the source of the mysterious flash was the diamond reflecting a rainbow of colors.

He gasped. These are called gems, precious stones. How is it that I know this? Suddenly, he was aware he was being observed. Lifting his head and scanning his surroundings, Morning Star drank in with satisfaction the obvious admiration these mysterious life forms seemed to have for him. Unexpectedly, he was seized with an extraordinary, intense excitement. My presence is the reason for this celebration!

Fascinated, he continued to study them. Morning Star struggled to understand, But why? What was the meaning of this celebration? An inspirational thought flashed across his brain. Yes! he thought. In fact, I’m positive they’ve been waiting for me! There must be a grand adventure waiting too.

Boy, oh boy, Grandpa! exclaimed Eric. You are really good at telling stories. I can’t wait to hear some more. Is this a true story, or are you just making it up?

Jack grinned at his grandson. Eric, my boy, some of this story is based on a true story, but since I am the one telling the story, I am embellishing it?

Eric’s expression was a combination of both surprise and puzzlement. "Grandpa, there you go with the big words again. What’s embellishing mean anyway?"

Jack chuckled and replied, It means I’m adding a lot to the story from my own imagination. And big words, as you recall, are good for you, it’s kind of like eating broccoli for the mind.

Haha, Grandpa! Will there be any kids in your story?

Jack chuckled and said, As it happens, this story is about a grand adventure.

I like your story a whole bunch!

Thank you, I’m glad you like the story so far, it’s going to get very exciting soon.

Chapter 2

Paradise Academy

Excitement filled the air; lively, radiant angelic scholars eagerly hurried into the halls of Paradise Academy. It was the first day back to school following a long holiday celebrating the creation of Morning Star. Their cheery chatter was suddenly interrupted by a familiar trumpet blast, a signal to get their attention. Instantly, the halls were silent; the student’s heads lifted; they waited. When the last trumpet note faded, the commotion in the halls resumed; the students understood they were to expect an important announcement.

Okay, everyone, first of all, welcome back. We’ve got a special treat today, visitors from Holy Mountain with important announcements. Quickly now! Paradise Academy’s headmaster, Saba exclaimed. His name meant grandfather,