The Isles Of Golgotha

By Shane War-rose

Zenais lived harmonously with his brother Sem. But after being deceived by a malevolent spirit named "The Disgraced," he does the unthinkable. He is then punished by the Deity Lord Eden to spend the rest of his life as the most vile creature. A dragon. His transgression and wrongful blame causes his home to sink into the ocean and is forced to find a new home. Azalea, along with her family, takes up residence on an empty beach. She constantly worries about her cousin Kairi who lives in one of five different villages, each cursed based on their specific vices. Another problem arises with the arrival with a large crimson-scaled beast that arrives on the shore near her home. She notices that the creature takes an interest in her. But will she accept him with or without the "Guinevere Spark"?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781641149785

Book preview

Chapter 1

Preparation

Zenais, get your lazy bum up and lets get to work. My little brother will always wake me up by dawn. It was the perfect way to annoy me, and unfortunately, he knew it.

He grabs my cloak of leaves and nearly yanks it off. Hold on, kiddo. Let me get up first.

We can’t ‘hold on,’ my brother. The sheep need to head down to the brook so they can drink.

Okay, okay. Help me up.

He pulls me up, and I rub my weary eyes. The bright sunlight hurts when I open them. Another beautiful, yet rigorous, day called for me.

Each passing day was a joy. My brother Sem always had a cheerful demeanor. His constant delight always concerned me, yet it was heartwarming. I was glad to have him for a brother.

What do you want to do, brother? Do you want to lead the sheep down to the water, or start tending to the garden?

Why don’t you herd the sheep? I’ll start getting our breakfast ready.

We split up, and I walk to the sheep pen. A bunch of crooked branches acted as the fence used to contain the animals and keep out any predators. I grab a large stick, used to herd the sheep, lying close to the pen. I remove some of the sticks so the sheep could leave.

I lead the sheep down to the water, and when I get to the bank, I gaze up at the cave to search for Sem. I catch him walking from out from large, luscious bushes. He waves to me, and I wave back.

Something wasn’t right.

He was pointing at something while running down the hill. I look at the water, and I see a large log embedded in the water. I noticed something strange about it. I walk around the flock to get a closer glimpse.

I, finally, was able to hear my brother’s shout. Zenais, it’s the Disgraced.

The disguised log opens its eyes and zips to the sheep. They panic and flee from the shore. A few were swallowed by the Disgraced. It chose to appear as a giant black serpent. It disgusted me when I saw it swallow my sheep whole.

I firmly grasp my shepherd stick and charge. It spots me engaging and whips me with its tail.

It sent me flying through the air. Luckily for me, the stream was wide and deep enough for me to avoid serious injury. Though I didn’t know how to swim, I was fortunate that the water reached to the base of my neck.

I was desperately wading back to shore. The Disgraced managed to swallow a few more sheep before Sem herded them away.

I make it to the beach and reengage the Disgraced. I scream at it to gain its attention. It jerks its head at me. It jolted right at me, and we end up staring in each other’s eyes. I could feel its breath blowing on my cloak. It also smelled absolutely horrible. I would’ve vomited from the smell, but the dark serpent’s eyes staring right at me had me scared beyond belief.

It sniffs me and begins to snicker.

Zenais, it said my name. You have great courage to want to face me.

My father and mother warned me about you. Don’t think I’m going to fall for any kind words you say.

Is that so? Well then, at least I won’t need to play that charade. I should thank you for having me cease.

It flicks its forked tongue at me. It touches some of the leaves, and they burn off. What makes me think you’re sincere after my family had so many attacks from you and the rest of your kind?

It chuckles and says, We’re just having some fun.

My mother and sister were murdered by you. How is that considered fun?

Well, if Lord Eden hadn’t intervened, they would still be alive.

He did. He sent one of his knights to protect us.

And that wasn’t enough to keep them alive, was it?

That’s because of you, not Lord Eden. If you hadn’t infected them with your venom, they will still be alive.

But if Eden truly cared about them, he would’ve intervened.

I have and am now.

I whisk my head around to a pure white bird standing on a boulder behind me. I hear the monster from behind me hiss. It says, Lord Eden, Holy Emperor of this land you’ve created, please don’t harm me.

It amazed me that this creature begged. This evil, mighty creature begged Lord Eden to avoid being punished.

Silence. His voice boomed. Leave now.

The Disgraced quickly slithers away.

I didn’t notice that he left until I turned around to watch him leave. I smile and sigh in relief. I thought he would’ve bit me and let his poison kill me slowly.

Zenais. My brother rushes to me and pulls me up. Are you okay?

Yeah, I’m good.

I look down at him, and I ask, Did you pray to Lord Eden?

He nods.

Thank you, Sem. I never felt more scared in my life.

I turn to the white bird, and I kneel down before it. Thank you, Lord Eden, from keeping me from being harmed by that creature.

Sem kneels down beside me and says, Let us make it up to you, my Lord.

There’s no need, my sons. I’m just glad to see you both safe.

We insist, my King. We shall give you an offering as a token of our gratitude.

Very well, my sons. I shall give three days to present your offerings to me. I will be eagerly awaiting.

The bird, which I finally remembered my father naming a dove, flies off to the sky. My brother and I head to our herd of sheep, grazing near their pen.

As I’m standing there, looking at the herd, the disgraced words troubled me greatly. Was what it told me true? Did Lord Eden really allow my mother and sister to die?

Something troubling you, brother?

Sem startled me when he approached me with his concern. I glance at him and say, Not entirely sure.

What’s troubling you?

Daenon the Disgraced. His words are haunting me.

Remember, big brother, that Father said not to heed the words of any demon.

I know that. But for some reason, I’m believing him.

You shouldn’t. Mother told us before she died not to be angry with Lord Eden for taking her away from us. Her time here ended that day when Daenon first attacked us.

And Viera? I ask, agitated. What about her? She was a child. There was no need for her to have perished.

It’s simple cause and effect, brother. She was lured away from mother by the Disgraced and was bitten. Mother did her best to save Viera, but it was in vain.

Sem walks away and says, Remember, it wasn’t Lord Eden who killed them.

I knew his words were true, but I couldn’t help feel there was some doubt. Eden did care and love us just as much as our father did; I knew that just as much as Sem did. But if I knew that to be true, then why do I doubt?

I join Sem for lunch.

Still doubting, brother?

I grab an apple and stare at it. Yes, Sem. I don’t know why I do, but I guess it can be helped.

Sem always knew if I was troubled. We would always talk to each other about our days, whether they were good or bad. Our father taught us to be honest with each other. Never let a secret be kept.

Why don’t you pray to him? It worked out well last time for me.

I whisk my head at him and say, Last time. What do you mean?

When the Disgraced attacked us, I prayed to Lord Eden to lend us some aid.

I pat his shoulder and say, Then I guess I should thank you for calling for him and Lord Eden for answering your prayer.

He offers me some meat, and I eat it. It’s been a while since I’ve had some meat, so I savor the taste of it. We end making jokes about some of the other animals here on our island while we eat.

It was the night before we presented our offerings to Lord Eden, and I decided to make my offering, a platter of fruits and vegetables. While Sem plans to have a lamb killed and use it as an offering. I didn’t like his choice of offering, but I didn’t tell him of what I thought.

Before we lay down to sleep, I finally ask Sem. Have you wondered what Mother, Father, and Viera are doing in Eden’s Oasis?

Mostly likely conversing with Lord Eden. I wondered of its beauty.

I chuckle.

Maybe when Eden comes back, you can ask him to take you up.

He looks over to me and laughs. That’s funny. But do you think you can handle all the work just by yourself.

Maybe if I grew thirty more feet, I’ll be able to. I get to places quicker, and I’ll fend off any threats to our livestock.

That’s something you should ask Lord Eden about. I’d love to see that happen before I deport to paradise.

Ha. I’m going to pray for that before I go to sleep.

You want to play ‘blind pebble’ before you wish on your fantasy, I taunt him.

All right. Let’s go a few rounds. And don’t think you beat me with your cocky attitude.

Blind pebble was our favorite game to play. We would find the smallest rock we could find and toss it to each other. The pebble is nearly impossible to see. Hence why it was called the blind pebble. Sem has yet to beat me.

We scour our home for the smallest pebble we could find. I found one near the cave entrance, but Sem says, Hey, brother, I found one.

All right. Since you found it, you get to start.

Sem had the advantage. The one to start was usually the winner. But maybe I can keep my streak intact.

Here we go.

He tosses me the rock.

I frantically search for it as the stone glides to me. I notice it in front of me, and I catch it.

Ha. I show him the pebble. Got it.

Eden must favor you, big brother. I was hoping to have beaten you this time.

You want to wish upon a fantasy again, Sem. I heard a cuckoo bird tell me that you would’ve won.

He laughs at my gag.

It was my turn. I toss the rock to Sem, and he manages to catch it. Good job, brother. Eden must favor you as well.

Things were getting interesting. We’d never make it past the first round. The competition between us escalated. We kept making bets on who would win and taunt each other as well.

It was my turn again.

I toss the pebble, and Sem miraculously catches it. I couldn’t believe it. I thought for sure I would’ve won when he’d staggered. Sem sighed and then cheered.

Okay enough. Lets keep going.

At this point, I was getting annoyed. I didn’t want to lose to him. I wanted to keep the winning streak alive. I hoped to catch the pebble and have Sem lose when I throw it.

He tosses the pebble, and I couldn’t see it. I remain focused on where I could find it. I begin to panic when I couldn’t see it.

That’s when Sem began to cheer when I feel something hit my foot. I look down, and there was the stone. I couldn’t believe it. Sem finally beat me at my own game. No way. I don’t believe it.

Face it, big brother. I finally won.

As much as I wanted to deny it, he was right. He did beat me fair and square. I picked up the stone and chucked it out of the cave without Sem noticing.

Okay, Sem. I had enough of his bragging. No need to be prideful.

He immediately stops his boast.

I forgot, brother. Forgive me.

I pat his shoulder and say, Of course, that’s what brothers do.

We decided to get some sleep. Before I go to sleep, I say my daily nighttime prayer with Sem. I crawl over to my hay pile and watch Sem drift into sleep. I whisper, Enjoy your victory now, brother, because tomorrow, I’m going to present a better offering to Lord Eden.

Chapter 2

My Brother’s Keeper

I was upright at dawn.

I went to my garden to prepare Lord Eden’s gift. I needed the extra time to get a head start on my preparations. I was gathering the ripest fruits when I heard Sem calling for me.

I am here, brother, I reply. In the garden.

He walks to the garden to find me. You’re up awfully early.

Yeah. I’d thought to get a head start on my gift to Lord Eden.

Not a bad idea. I already selected which lamb will be presented. With that said, Sem leaves to his work.

I smirk when I imagine seeing Sem’s contribution being rejected. The thought made me chuckle a little. Luckily, Sem nor Lord Eden was around to hear my delight.

It was time for our offerings to be presented to Lord Eden. We take our platters, made of broken sticks and leaves, down to the river. We kneel down at the river’s edge, place the gifts down, and wait for Eden’s arrival.

I wanted this to hurry, so I could see Sem crumble in defeat. I tried my hardest to not let my pride be exposed.

Zenais. I turn to Sem. Do you think Lord Eden will accept my far-portioned rack of lamb.

I’m sure he will, Sem.

But that’s what I wasn’t really thinking. I wanted to get back for losing last night. I was getting more and more impatient. Where was Lord Eden?

I feel a sudden gust of wind brush against my skin. The cool wind was a relief for my hot body.

Lord Eden descends from the skies in the form of an eagle. Once he lands in the water, he changes into a man. His hair and beard was pure white, his left eye was as bright as sun, while his right eyes was pale like the moon.

He treads out of the water, and we present our offerings. He asks for Sem’s offering first.

Sem hoists it up, and he says, My Lord, I present you with a firstborn lamb. Let this offering please and honor you, for you have saved my brother Zenais.

I accept your offering, my son.

Lord Eden takes Sem’s donation, and it vanishes.

It was my turn for my presentation. I raise it up to Lord Eden. Lord Eden, I present the ripest fruits from my vineyard to you. For you have saved me from an agonizing death, let this meal give you praise.

I’m sorry, Zenais. He places his hand on my shoulder. I cannot accept your offering.

I couldn’t believe what I heard. He rejected my offering. Why did he have to do that to me?

I didn’t look up at him. I felt ashamed that Sem’s gift was accepted when mine didn’t. I was equal parts angry and sad.

Why are you angry? Do not feel ashamed because I’ve rejected what you offered.

But I didn’t listen to him. I was furious that I was rejected. Sem beating me again made my wrath threatening to explode. I did my best to contain it.

Lord Eden left with Sem’s offering, and I watched him ascend to the sky. Sem gently places his hand on me. You okay, my brother.

I wasn’t.

But I didn’t want to take my frustration out on him. I tell him that I was okay, and I walk away, leaving my platter at the waters edge. Come on, Sem, we’ve got work to do.

I turn around to see if Sem was following. He doesn’t seem too thrilled about my grief. His misery brought a little smile to my face. But that was of concern rather than enjoyment.

Don’t fret for me, brother. The fault for my sorrow is mine alone, not yours.

What do you mean, brother?

Eden rejected my gifts because my heart wasn’t in the right place. I was more concerned in seeing you fail than pleasing Lord Eden.

I shift my gaze to his, and I saw his disbelief. What made you want to see me be rejected?

I lost to you when we played ‘blind pebble’ last night.

That’s just a game, Zenais. This was the first time I saw him furious. Not one time have I wanted to see you be punished because I lost countless times to you.

You’re right. I let my anger get the best of me. Forgive me, brother.

Of course. Now let’s get our flock and forget about this whole ordeal.

And I did.

The rest of the day made me feel at ease. Focusing on my work instead of my grief made me feel better. If only if I had known that things would’ve gotten a whole lot worse.

I was busy tending to my garden, when I began to hear a few bushes rustle. I thought at first that maybe it was some small animal stuck. I hoped it was, I would’ve had it for a meal.

I checked them, and I didn’t find anything. Whatever it was sure was fortunate that I didn’t capture it. I immediately get back to my job.

I was pulling some weeds, thorns, and some berries when I hear something hiss. I whisk my head to the side, and I see a dark, black snake slithering toward me.

The creature scared me greatly.

I fall and crawl away from it. It follows, and I say, Cursed creature of this world, leave me be.

The animal doesn’t respond, and it keeps on me. The serpent corners me between two boulders. It raises its head to me, and it speaks, "Hello, Zenais, nice to meet you again. And