The King Above All Gods

By Alexander Bruce

It's been said one person's faith can move mountains, but can it save the universe?

John always wanted to escape the small town he grew up in, but travelling the universe wasn’t what he had in mind.

Years of hardship have led the teenager to give up on everything in life, including faith. When John discovers his family's most guarded secret, his worldview is changed forever. John receives the power of the Traveller and is thrust into an adventure that takes him to new worlds. With the help of the friends he makes along the way, John must find an ancient artefact that is key to stopping an evil that threatens all of creation.

As this story of faith and adventure unfolds, John learns the only way to achieve his goals is by unlocking the power of the Traveller. He must learn more about the King above all gods to do so. The fate of the seven worlds depends on it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: May 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9781399954099

Book preview

Chapter

One

Stories about heroes and adventure often begin in far-off places amidst extraordinary circumstances. This story is abundant in all those things, but it begins in a sleepy town on a typical breezy autumn afternoon.

Dozens of impatient students raced out of Shady Springs High School as they finished their studies for the day. The race to escape the school was a daily ritual. As much as John Fischer always tried to get ahead in the race, he was never successful. Like every other day, he was shoved around as he squeezed his slight frame through the crowd to freedom.

As John finally stumbled through the dark exit of the school, the bright afternoon sun made him squint. He couldn’t help but chuckle at how the transition of going from darkness into light mirrored how he felt that afternoon. He wanted nothing more than to leave the dark, drafty school behind. He had been put through the wringer that day.

As he descended the steps, John looked out at the town’s Main Street. Aside from the tractor and truck passing by carrying hay bales, the town looked as sleepy as ever. Such was life in the uneventful farming community of Shady Springs. The rush of students coming and going from school was the most exciting thing that happened every day. It was the town John called home, although he would rather not have called it that. They say home is where the heart is, but John’s heart was anywhere other than Shady Springs, especially on that particular day in mid-October.

John thought about the day’s events that made him feel that way. The problems began that morning before he had even left his house. He discovered he had a flat tire on his bicycle. Fixing it made him late for class and got him marked as tardy. He could have dealt with that, but it was only the first in an unlucky series of events that day.

At lunchtime, John endured the embarrassment of having two creeps throw his lunch across the cafeteria. Then before history class, his glasses were smashed by his arch-enemy and lifelong bully, Olly Jackson. To top it all off, he received a bad grade in gym class. In front of everyone, the teacher announced that John always ‘looked bored and didn’t put in enough effort.’ He admitted to himself the teacher was probably right. It still hurt, though, when Olly’s friends kept calling him Eeyore due to his apparent lack of enthusiasm.

John was nearly eighteen years old and had hoped he’d reached the point in life where the days of being bullied were behind him. Unfortunately, those hopes were destroyed daily. As John walked over to the bike rack, he wondered why it was that way. He was in his senior year of high school and thought such things would have finished long ago. Most of his classmates who were bullied alongside him had been lucky enough to move on from it. Not John. He figured his appearance didn’t do him any favours when trying to escape the bully train. He was short, of a slight frame, and wore strong prescription glasses. His braces had only been removed four months before his senior year started.

His appearance didn’t help in the dating department either. All the girls knew him as ‘the guy Olly bullied.’ The last girl he asked out told him every aspect of his appearance made up ‘the perfect ingredients in a recipe for dork.’

John pushed all the negativity aside and felt overjoyed to finally hop on his bike and head home after a rotten day. However, his elation was short-lived. As he pedalled along, he heard his name called out from behind. He wasn’t shocked when he turned his head and saw Olly with a few of his football teammates trailing him. After the incident with his glasses, John reported Olly to the principal. As a consequence, Olly received detention for what he did. Only afterwards John realised Olly’s position on the football team would have been jeopardised by the detention. John wished he had thought about that before he reported him. His stomach churned as he anticipated the retaliation he was about to face for his actions.

As he rode on, John wondered if he should surrender and get his punishment from Olly over and done with. The other option was to race home, run inside, and hope Olly would forget everything by the next day. The latter seemed unlikely. John took a deep breath and decided to stop his bike and let Olly have his revenge sooner rather than later.

As he hit the brakes, dust from the gravel road filled the air. The few seconds John had to wait for his pursuers to arrive seemed like an eternity. Olly made it there first while his four accomplices skidded their bikes to a halt behind him.

Hey, Johnny, said Olly, his voice calm as he descended his bike.

John could see the four burly guys behind Olly snickering at one another. They knew what was coming and loved every moment.

I don’t need to tell you what you did to me today was pretty stupid, said Olly as he kicked down the stand of his bike. He spat on the gravel before creeping closer to John.

John wondered if Olly knew how ridiculous he looked. He was like a cliché bully from an eighties teen movie. Couldn’t he come up with something new to make it more interesting? he thought. It was the same old script and part of a routine to intimidate John. On top of that, Olly knew John hated being called ‘Johnny.’

The two stared at one another in uncomfortable silence. The smug smirk on Olly’s face made John want to slug him, but he would never stoop to Olly’s level. Besides, John knew he would never win a fight against him. The budding football star was 6’2, a giant compared to John, who was barely over 5’9.

John got off his bike and let it fall to the ground. He stood still, his scrawny fists clenched against his sides. Come on, Olly, just do what you came for.

That’s no fun, replied Olly.

The bully looked at John with a sly look he recognised and had come to despise. Olly would have to play his game first. It was like a cat playing with a mouse before the attack. John had been forced to play the game countless times over the years.

Every time John was in that position, he wondered why he could never summon the courage to stand up for himself. Olly may have been bigger than him, but John knew that wasn’t the only reason he always froze up. His childhood fear of Olly always resurfaced at that moment during the game. It was one of the psychological wounds from years of bullying. They were wounds that never seemed to heal and always resurfaced.

Olly moved within inches of John’s face. He felt the breath from Olly’s nostrils as it fogged up his spare glasses. Olly pulled a fist as if he were going to punch him. John closed his eyes to brace for impact, but Olly stopped short of doing it and laughed. Instead, he ripped John’s glasses off his face and smashed them under his shoe. John knew his mother would be furious. That was two busted pairs of glasses in one day.

You might think you did me some harm today with that stunt you pulled, sneered Olly. But I ain’t going anywhere. The school’s team can’t survive without me, and they know it. You better think twice before you do something stupid like that again. He stepped back, threw his arms in the air and yelled, I’m untouchable, Johnny!

Olly started to back up, and John wondered if that was it. The thought didn’t last long, though. Olly pulled back his arm and punched John in the face before he could blink. The impact sent John stumbling backwards. As he tried to maintain his balance, he tripped over his bike and fell face down on the gravel road. He could taste the blood that poured from his nose to his lips.

As everyone in Olly’s crew laughed and rode off, John didn’t even bother getting up. He just rolled over and propped his head on his bicycle. As he stared into the sky, he wished he could be a new person. Someone brave. Someone who wasn’t afraid.

Something caught John’s eye as he gazed up at the clouds feeling sorry for himself. It was a strange, soaring flash. It was gone as fast as it had appeared. He figured without his glasses, his eyes were playing tricks on him. He decided it must have been some type of bird. Either way, he wished he could be just like it and fly far away.

Eventually, John summoned the energy to get up from the gravel road. The throbbing pain from his injury was nothing compared to the headache he felt developing. He was relieved that at least the bloody nose he got from Olly’s punch had stopped flowing. He wiped the last bit of blood from his face and cleared it off on his shirt with his hand.

John clumsily found the handlebars of his bike. With a sigh, he lifted it from the ground to continue the journey home. He only had a few minutes to prepare himself mentally for his parents’ reaction. John wasn’t sure how bad his face looked, but he knew it wasn’t good if the pain was anything to go by. When he thought about how his parents would react to his injury, he had a premonition he was in for a long night. He knew it would take a lot of effort to calm his mother.

After John peddled up the driveway, he left his bike against the garage as usual. He stood still and took one more deep breath before making his way to the front door. He was as ready as he’d ever be to face his mom and dad.

When John opened the door, he was met by his mother as she made her way down the stairs. Carol stopped in her tracks when she saw the state of him. John couldn’t see her well without his glasses, but one thing he could see clearly was her face turning as red as a bad sunburn. It was apparent she was downright livid.

Don’t tell me you’ve had another run-in with those jerks, John.

Mom, calm down. I’m fine, said John, trying not to sound too curt or short-tempered. Could you please get me my old pair of glasses from my nightstand?

"That’s not all you need, John. Have you seen your shirt? You look like you’re part of the cast of Saw. Carol was mortified when she saw the blood on John’s light blue shirt. That’s it. I’ve had enough of this. I’m calling the police right now."

Mom, that will only make things worse. Honestly, I’ll be fine. Please, get my glasses. I can hardly see anything.

John was unsure of his mother’s response. She muttered something under her breath as she went upstairs. He figured it was probably best not to hear what she said. His mother was always upset when he was bullied, but she was angrier than usual that day. A minute later, Carol returned and handed John his glasses and a clean shirt.

John pulled the bloodied shirt over his head and put the new one on. As he put on his last pair of glasses, he saw his dad enter the room with a wet washcloth in hand.

I overheard from the kitchen what was going on, Steve said, gently clasping his son’s shoulder. He gave his son a heartfelt look to comfort him. I’m so sorry, John, he said. Let me clean your face for you.

John moved away from Steve’s hand as he attempted to wipe off the blood from his face. You both need to stop worrying, John pleaded. It’s not that bad.

I don’t think you realise how serious this is, John. Carol’s tone was stern and elevated.

I know it’s serious, Mom, but calling the police is not a good idea. John loved his parents dearly, but his biggest fear was that their interference would only make things worse.

This is ridiculous, Steve. Neither the school nor Oliver’s father has done anything to stop these idiots, Carol grumbled. We have to put a stop to this. John, you told me this behaviour of Olly’s was done ages ago. When did it start again?

The reality was John only told his mom what she wanted to hear. She never saw the bruises he got on a weekly basis from Olly.

Let it go, Mom! yelled John. He realised he sounded sharp, but his anxiety wasn’t helped by his mom’s anger, even if it was only out of concern for him. John could see the anguish in her eyes as she reached over to hug him. He had to admit her hug was welcomed after the day he’d had.

Look, I know what happened is bad, John started, but this is my last year of school. All this stuff with Olly is almost over. In a few months, he’ll have moved on to some football team and be out of my life for good.

Carol hugged her son even tighter. Sweetheart, I worry he’ll do something worse before then. He really hurt you today. What if—

Before she could finish her words, John gently got out of her embrace. He forced a smile in an attempt to reassure her. Olly cares too much about being on the football team to do anything too crazy to me.

Carol rolled her eyes and said, Too crazy is his speciality. She grazed John’s cheek with her hand and decided to drop the issue for the time being. Go upstairs for now and do your homework, she said. We’ll talk about this later. She took John’s blood-stained shirt from him and pushed him towards the stairs. Dinner will be ready in half an hour, she called out after him.

As he made his way to his room, John hoped some alone time and music would remedy his anxiety. He went in and tried to shut the door behind him, but it got stuck in the frame. With a firm tug, he managed to force it shut. The impact caused something behind him to fall to the floor. A small statue of an angel his grandfather gave him had fallen off a shelf. He could count on one hand how many times he’d given the wooden statue a glance over the years. John picked it up and snickered as he looked at it. His grandfather always told him angels would protect him from bullies.

If angels were real, you would have given me a little help today, John said to the little statue. But, he sighed, obviously angels aren’t real, so I shouldn’t be surprised.

John’s gaze shifted from the statue to the shutters outside his bedroom window. They had started erratically flapping back and forth.

Holding the little statue, John undid the latch securing the glass panels and pulled them open. As the shutters swung open and shut, John expected to find a strong wind outside. He was surprised to discover it was the complete opposite. There wasn’t even a breeze. The shutters then stopped their unusual flapping and remained still. After taking one last look at the angel statue, he returned it to the shelf.

Hmph. Just a coincidence, John muttered.

Chapter

Two

I still say we should call the police on that creep, fumed Carol. What is John thinking telling us to just ‘let it go’? Let me at Olly, and I’ll show that kid what an icy snow queen I can be. She released her frustration on a head of lettuce she chopped vigorously into small pieces.

Steve had been trying to calm his wife for over twenty minutes, but it proved to be a useless endeavour. Carol had the fury of a mama bear whose cub was in danger.

I know how you feel, Carol, started Steve, but before we do anything else, I think it’s best to try and get through to Olly’s dad one last time.

I don’t think that will do any good. We’ve been down that road a hundred times! yelled Carol.

I understand, but getting the police involved should be a last resort. We both heard what John said earlier. He wants to get through the next few months with as little drama as possible.

Carol shot Steve daggers from her eyes. I don’t see how letting Olly have the freedom to torture our son is drama-free, Steven.

Whenever Carol used her husband’s full first name, he knew she was angry.

A kid’s senior year of high school is supposed to be one of the best times of their life, said Carol. I don’t want John’s last year of school to be like this.

I don’t either, agreed Steve. One way or another, I promise you we’ll get all of this to stop. He could see his words weren’t helping. His wife’s face was turning a deeper shade of red.

We keep saying that, and it just goes on and on, shouted Carol, slamming her knife into her cutting board. I remember my brothers being roughed up when they were growing up, and I hated that behaviour. I want better for John. I have a feeling John’s not being honest with us, either. I think the bullying is worse than we know. When I saw all that blood on him today…

Steve stood behind his wife and rubbed her shoulders. Sweetie, it’ll be okay. I’ll call Olly’s dad as soon as we finish dinner. If I can’t get through to him this time, we’ll do it your way.

This is his last chance, Steve. This is it. My heart can’t take seeing John like that.

I know it’s not easy to see John treated like this, Steve began, but we should be proud of our son. Despite everything he’s gone through, he’s never stooped to Olly’s level. He really is a brave kid. Steve paused for a moment, thinking of how to say his next thought. And we know he may need to be brave in case you know what happens.

Carol turned to Steve with a frustrated look. For crying out loud, Steve. Don’t even go there today. The last thing I want to hear about right now is your family’s ridiculous tall tales. Enough.

Come on, Carol. How can you say that? You’ve seen it. It’s not a tall tale.

Carol looked around to make sure John wasn’t within earshot. I don’t know what I saw, but I highly doubt it’s what you think it is.

Well, you know I believe it and–

Stop right now, Carol interrupted. Just stop it, Steve.

Carol, I’m sorry. I just–

Listen to me, spat Carol, lowering the volume of her voice. Every time John is bullied, you bring up this stupid family story. It sounds like you’re saying it’s good for him to be beaten up until he bleeds. It’s not.

Carol, it’s not like that. He’s going to be eighteen in less than two weeks, and–

Look, Carol interrupted again. If all that stuff you believe in hasn’t happened by now, it’s never going to happen. I don’t want to hear about this again. You need to grow up and be more concerned about your son’s safety.

Steve hung his head low, upset that Carol accused him of not being concerned enough about John. The only reason he brought up his family’s ‘tall tale’ was because he cared.

It’s time you accept that everything your family told you was all made up, said Carol. We have bills, a mortgage, and a million other problems that are real that we have to cope with. I can’t believe you’re still going on about this stupid story.

You know how much I care about John’s safety, but when it comes to the family ‘tale’, you’ve seen and touched the proof.

Carol gave Steve one last warning with a sharp look. He dropped his argument, knowing it was pointless to continue.

After cleaning himself and taking two pain relievers, John followed his nose downstairs to the kitchen. He was glad the slug he took to the face didn’t destroy his sense of smell.

Having been delayed by her conversation with Steve, Carol was rushing to finish their meal. She heard John come into the kitchen and asked, How much soup do you want, honey? There’s plenty of... Her words trailed off when she turned around and saw John’s face. The bruising and swelling had worsened over the half-hour since he went upstairs.

You don’t have to say anything, mumbled John. I know what it looks like.

Steve could see a potential argument brewing and decided to intervene. I’m sure John is starving by now. That soup smells fantastic, so let’s dig in before it gets cold.

Carol turned to her husband, who was pleading with his eyes for her to drop the issue for the time being. Right, she conceded, filling their bowls with her chicken and rice soup.

Thanks, Mom. John looked at his mother and touched her arm, thanking her for more than just dinner. He didn’t want to speak about the five-inch bruise on his face.

After Carol finished serving, the three folded their hands, and Steve led them in prayer. Lord, we ask you to bless us, bless this meal, bless those who prepared it, and give food to those who have none. Amen.

John was accustomed to the nightly ritual but wasn’t sure he believed any of it. His parents were regular churchgoers, but over the last few years, they always went without him. The exceptions were Christmas and Easter, when they forced him to go.

Speaking of prayer, John, Carol started, our Pastor asked if you’d join the confirmation class this year. He called this morning as I was about to go into town.

John dropped his head inches above his soup. Mom, come on! I told you I’m not doing that.

Well, that was last year. I thought maybe this year you’d have a change of heart. You’re going to be eighteen soon.

That doesn’t mean I’ve changed my beliefs. After today, can you blame me? If there is a God, do you think he’d let this happen? he snapped, pointing to his face.

That’s not fair, John. You can’t say there’s no God because Olly’s a bully.

It’s not just that. Think of everything else that points to what I’m saying.

Like what?

What about science? John offered. Doesn’t science convince you the answers to the universe aren’t found in God?

Science is not opposed to religion or vice versa. If you ever came with us to Church, you might learn about that.

John didn’t want to debate religion with his parents, but if he had to choose between talking about religion or Olly, he’d choose religion.

Do you honestly believe our little planet is so special that we’re the centre of the universe? quizzed John. Do you actually think there’s no life out there? Plus, there are a million different religions. They can’t all be true, but you think yours is? Out of all of them?

I think you’re right to ask questions, but there is such a thing as truth, and I believe we have been lucky enough to hear it. Also, I never said there wasn’t life out there. Carol paused as she saw a strange look develop on Steve’s face. Now dish yourself up some salad, John.

John did as he was told but pressed on. You’re telling me if aliens made contact or if we discovered life somewhere else, that wouldn’t shake your faith?

Why all this talk about aliens and stuff? asked Steve. He fumbled with his spoon and accidentally dropped it in his soup. John didn’t say anything but wondered why the conversation made his dad act strange. He usually loved speaking about faith-related things.

As a matter of fact, John, the answer is no. My faith would be fine, answered Carol. I’d be fascinated to learn about their world and way of life. I’m not closed-minded, you know.

Steve decided to interrupt and said, Alright, no arguing and no aliens. Let’s try to have a nice dinner.

Fine, whined John. But I’ve got enough going on right now. I don’t need to worry about a confirmation class too.

Just think about it, okay? That’s all I ask, pleaded Carol.

John rolled his eyes and said, Okay, I’ll think about it.

That’s it then. That’s all I needed to hear. Carol smiled and poured water into John’s glass.

John’s parents started discussing the farm, which allowed John to scarf down his soup and salad. He wanted to excuse himself as soon as possible. If he stuck around, he suspected the conversation would inevitably turn to either him and Olly or to their future plans for him working on the farm.

Usually, after supper, John was told he had to help clean up the dishes, but his parents gave him a pass that night. His father instructed him to retrieve some ice from the freezer to soothe his face before leaving. John complied before heading upstairs to his room.

Before going to bed, John went to the bathroom to perform his usual routine of brushing his teeth and washing up. On his way back to his room, he heard his dad downstairs raise his voice at someone on the phone. He quickly realised it was Olly’s dad, Mitch, on the receiving end of his dad’s anger. Despite wanting to intervene, John knew it would be pointless. Olly’s father was unlikely to take any action against his son. In fact, John figured Olly’s dad might even praise his son for showing the short, nerdy kid who’s boss.

When John entered his room, he looked out the window at the shutters. He was still curious about why they had flapped open and shut earlier in the calm weather. He looked up at the night sky and was surprised when he saw a flash of light shoot across it again. He wondered if there was a meteor shower that day.

John turned out the lights and crawled into bed. Hardly a minute had passed before sleep took over.

Chapter

Three

Steve left home before John got out of bed. He didn’t get to tell his son what happened after he went to his room the night before. He suspected John would be furious once he found out.

When Steve chewed out Mitch Jackson on the phone over Olly’s actions, his response was the usual nonsense. Mitch always said things like, ‘Boys fight,’ or, ‘Teenagers gotta work out their problems in their own way.’ Steve warned Mitch that Olly’s behaviour might lead to him getting kicked off the football team. The warning caused Mitch to at least agree to talk to Olly about his actions. However, Steve remained sceptical about whether Mitch would take any meaningful action.

After ending the phone call, Steve felt compelled to send an email to the school principal regarding the incident. He thought maybe informing the principal about Carol’s intention to involve the police might prompt some action to be taken. Though he doubted an email would make a significant difference, he felt responsible for standing up for John.

Steve never intended to irritate John by fighting his battles, but he couldn’t bear to see him in such a state. It was evident to Steve that John had resigned himself to Olly’s abuse. It had become his new normal. He could sense John’s hopelessness and refusal to believe things could improve. Steve found that unacceptable.

After a quick drive to the outskirts of town, Steve parked his truck alongside the fence surrounding the forest. It was time for him to fulfil his duties to his family ‘tall tale.’ Steve shook his head as he thought about Carol’s dismissal of all of it.

Steve let himself in through two broken boards in the fence, and a minute’s walk brought him to his destination. As he entered the cave, he knew things would not be business as usual that day. He was greeted by a towering figure he had not seen in a long time.

It was a moment Steve used to think he’d be excited to witness. Now that it had happened, it only brought uncertainty and worry. There was no use trying to fight or delay what was coming. Steve knew he had to accept it and rely on faith to get him through whatever came next.

The time has come, hasn’t it? asked Steve. He wasn’t sure why he even bothered asking the question. He already knew the answer.

It has, old friend, replied the visitor.

When John woke up, anxiety filled his mind before the alarm had been turned off. He sat on the edge of the bed and focused on the positive aspects of his life. It always helped him get through the day.

John was able to disguise how he felt around everyone by feigning a smile or putting on a cheerful demeanour. In recent months he had found solace in the fact that he was in his last year of school. In less than eight months, he would finally be free from the stress of school and, most importantly, free from Olly. The thought gave him the strength to face each day.

The smell of bacon and eggs began to waft into his bedroom. It always lifted his mood, and his mom knew it too. After he readied himself for school, he found a sumptuous breakfast waiting for him downstairs. John thought if there was any good thing that could come from having to work on his family farm, it was that he’d still have his mom’s breakfasts.

Carol examined his face and shook her head in disgust. John, if that kid does anything to you today, you call me ASAP. There are no more chances for him.

Okay, he replied in a monotonous tone. He didn’t want to hear about it anymore.

I know you’re probably cynical, but your father had a long talk with Mr Jackson on the phone last night. I think it may have had an impact this time. Like you said yesterday, Olly’s pride and joy is that football team. His dad needed to hear someone say he’ll get kicked off it if he doesn’t shape up.

John discreetly rolled his eyes as his mother turned away. He thought even if Olly faced consequences, he would likely be more subtle in his bullying tactics. Nonetheless, John was content to let his mother maintain hope Olly could improve.

At least your face looks a little better today, said Carol as she got up close to analyse his injury. Still, it will take a while for that whopper to heal fully. You know, I can cover it up with a little touch of the brush.

Makeup? John almost choked on his food. Can you imagine how Olly would react if he figured that out? He’d probably put my name on paper dolls with made-up faces all over school.

Relax, kid. I was only offering. Carol bent down and kissed her son on the forehead. Get going now, or you’ll be late. I love you, and don’t forget to call if —

I got it. I love you too. John guzzled down the last of his juice and got up from the stool. Bye, Mom! he yelled