Amulek: Revenant

By M.D. House

From the author of the award-winning Barabbas Trilogy and The Servant of Helaman comes another story about the harrowing challenges of discipleship ...

For a prosperous businessman in the Ancient American city of Ammonihah, God is good, but not top of mind. Until God's call becomes more insistent and memories of productive fait

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.D. House
• Release date: May 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088148402

M.D. House

M.D. HOUSE is the author of "I Was Called Barabbas" and "Patriot Star." Before beginning his second career as a writer, he worked for twenty-five years in the world of corporate finance, strategic planning, and business development, mostly in the Chicago, Illinois area. Now, M.D. House lives in Utah with his wife, where he spends his time writing and enjoying his children and grandchildren. Learn more about him and his work at www.mdhouselive.com. The sequel to "I Was Called Barabbas," titled "Pillars of Barabbas," comes out in March 2021.

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Introduction

Amulek: Revenant is a work of fiction based on the historical scriptural record recognized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as the Book of Mormon. It deals primarily with characters and events described in the Book of Alma, Chapters 8 – 15, 27 – 35, and 43 – 44, occurring between about 91 and 73 B.C. on the North American continent. Included in those chapters are lengthy sermons given by both Alma and Amulek, which were translated by the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. from a reformed Egyptian tongue into scriptural Old English. This is the same kind of language we find in the King James version of the Bible, crafted with great care by fellow Christian martyr William Tyndale.

As others have done in relation to the Bible, I have chosen to convert passages selected for inclusion in this story from Old English to Modern English. This not only broadens understanding and appeal, but keeps the language consistent throughout. I also added small portions to the sermons in places where it made sense and where we are told that more was said but not recorded. These pieces improve the overall flow, but do not add anything substantive.

Clues in the source text point to Amulek achieving noteworthy success in his profession, and also having an extensive family. I have used those clues to create fictitious details supporting a logical backstory. I have also added some supporting characters not mentioned in the Book of Mormon text.

In doing all of this, I have been careful not to compromise any of the major events or scriptural teachings. Even from a literary perspective, there was no need to attempt such, as the story is remarkable and compelling in its own right, as recorded.

Please enjoy this powerful account of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ on the one hand, and open, determined rebellion against God on the other.

M.D. House

May 2023

Part 1: Chapter 1

81 B.C.

Amulek’s bare knees hit the hard-packed earth with a thud. Tears blurred his vision. The searing waves of heat emanating from the blazing pit carried the anguished cries of innocent Christian women and children perishing in the flames, most of them brand new to the faith. The scene was almost impossible to believe.

He looked to his companion, kneeling beside him. His mentor. His salvation, and that of his family. How can they do this?

Alma blinked rapidly, his face mirroring Amulek’s own mask of agony. There still existed a strength to his cast, though, something Amulek was unable to find in himself. They have given themselves over completely to the evil one. He commands them to purge their society of the truth regarding the coming of Jesus Christ, their eternal Savior … and they obey.

Cruel laughter erupted from behind them, and Amulek wanted to scream at the heavens, demanding angelic assistance. How can we witness such barbaric cruelty and do nothing? Why doesn’t God command us right now to burst our bands, save these people, and sweep away this great wickedness with his power?

Alma seemed to seriously ponder that, but then he lowered his chin. The Spirit constrains me not to act. God’s will is that these fair saints return home to him in glory, where they will stand as unassailable witnesses against this people. The doom of Ammonihah is sealed by their blood, and the entire Nephite nation will remember the reason for its destruction, including the sacrifice of these faithful souls.

But I cannot abide this! Amulek pleaded. I would die with them, if we cannot save them. Perhaps we are next, anyway. He realized he almost sounded hopeful at that last thought.

Alma turned to regard him with those kind yet haunted eyes. I would enter the flames, too, Brother Amulek, if that were the Lord’s will. It is not. There is more for us to do here. He calls us to exercise greater faith and trust in his wisdom. I know it is not easy.

Just then, the chief judge of the city, an arrogant and so-called ‘cultured’ man named Lehorum, planted himself in front of them, then swept an arm to the side, pointing. Amulek looked, and his heart stopped as he spotted several officers dragging his wife and children toward the pit. He tried to rise, desperate to save them, but firm hands on his shoulders pushed him roughly back down.

Will you again preach to this people about how they will be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone? snarled Lehorum. You don’t have power to save them, nor does God save them because they profess your faith. He slapped them both, hard, then put his hands on his hips, feet set wide, standing as if he thought himself a god.

You were once a great man, he continued in mock sadness. We were friends, you and I. But then, and he cast a vicious glare at Alma, you allowed this creature of the devil to deceive you and betray your people. Eventually, we will uncover all your evil designs, and they will fail. The people of this city are good, the vanguard of progress for the entire nation, and your cunning, destructive blasphemy will be entirely eradicated.

The chief judge puffed out his chest, then held a hand up to the officers handling Amulek’s struggling family, causing them to pause. His dark eyes bored into Amulek. You have one, final chance. I am merciful, and would not see a friend throw everything of worth in this world away, including his family. Denounce High Priest Alma, son of Alma, and the church he claims to represent, and rejoin the ranks of the righteous warriors of God’s true holy army.

Amulek’s tears had nearly dried. He stared up at the chief judge in perplexity, trying to make sense of what the man had said, and how he could say it. It was utter nonsense. He didn’t need to look to Alma for confirmation of that. He knew it, deep in his soul, in the place God himself had bared and then nurtured. His family was about to die, but his panic abruptly abated. He couldn’t explain how, but he understood why. Angels would carry them to their real home. And then he would need to prove himself worthy to eventually join them there.

He straightened as best he could on his knees, fixing Lehorum with a calm gaze. The Lord God Almighty has declared your life forfeit, along with everyone in this city. Do as you will.

He felt a pulsing power in those words, but when his wife and children began screaming again, the officers moving them ever closer to their fiery fate, strength left him in a rush, his body beginning to sway as panic renewed its assault. Alma leaned over to him and whispered, I am so proud of you, Amulek. Moreover, the Lord is pleased with you and your family. He will not forget how all of you stood with him this day.

Amulek barely heard the words, so focused was he on the inexorable journey of his dearly beloved wife and children toward the flames. When they were finally hurled in, he fainted.

Chapter 2

91 B.C. (Ten years earlier)

If Jehoram told him one more time how risky this venture was, he would hit him. Hard. So what if Jehoram’s father was one of the five richest men in Ammonihah.

Amulek, you really ought to—

Don’t. I don’t have your inheritance, so if I want to be successful, I need to take some risks. This will work. I promise you. And what do you care, anyway? Are you afraid I’ll embarrass you and your father?

Jehoram’s eyes darkened in spoiled anger, but Amulek didn’t give him an opportunity to vent any wounded pride.

If I fail, I’ll tell everyone you tried to talk me out of it. Does that help? He couldn’t blunt the sarcasm entirely, but it was the best he could do. Jehoram’s father could create a huge snag in his plans if he wanted to … or if his less than industrious son convinced him to.

Jehoram crossed his arms, frowning, but then his face cracked, and he smiled. "I still don’t know how you talked Meridian, one of the most successful traders in all the nation, to let you and your cargo tag along with his caravan—and make that detour into Lamanite lands."

The fringes, Amulek corrected him. Their allegiance to their king is … fluid, situational, even opportunistic. And most of them don’t hate us.

They don’t like us, either.

Well, I don’t like you, and yet here we are, not killing each other. He said it with a stern face, but he couldn’t hold it for long. They both burst out laughing.

Jehoram clapped him hard on the shoulder, gesturing around the small stone and wood warehouse. Most of the goods had already been loaded in the single wagon sitting in the center. And you’re sure this garbage you bought will sell there?

Amulek nodded, trying to become annoyed again. But Jehoram had faithfully kept the secret from his father and their mutual friends so far, despite how much he complained about the idea. Perhaps, Amulek thought pessimistically, his second cousin wanted to see him fail, then tease him endlessly about it afterward. He might be jealous, too. Tarabis had just given birth to their first child; Jehoram and Salema still had not become pregnant. Amulek felt bad for them, Tarabis even more so.

Yes, I’m sure. I’ve visited several times and spoken to dozens of people, including shop owners. I’m not worried. That wasn’t quite true, but he had to have faith, and show confidence, especially to Meridian when he came to collect the wagon.

And why aren’t you going with the caravan again? asked Jehoram.

Because Meridian is better at negotiating than I am. He’ll get better prices.

And yet you talked him into this. I think you’re better at negotiating than you think.

Amulek’s mouth fell open. "Was that a compliment? From you?"

Nope, came the reply. I don’t compliment fools. The grin, when it finally came, was even wider. Besides, I think the real reason you’re not going is that you’re afraid to run into old King Mosiah’s sons, traipsing around Lamanite lands preaching ‘enlightenment.’

Amulek chuckled at that. Idiots. Actually, it might be fun to see them there. Probably stuck in a prison, or milking goats. They both had a laugh at that joke, and then Amulek ran his hand through his hair. "It is strange, though."

What?

That they left it all behind. The Nephite people wanted Aaron to be king; heavens, any of the sons. If just one had stayed, we wouldn’t have this silly new system of judges that can’t possibly last or produce anything of worth.

Jehoram clapped him on the shoulder. "It’s all right. We’re from Ammonihah. We’ll figure out our own path, no matter what the fraudsters in Zarahemla do, or tell us to do. In fact, I’d bet a bag of onties that one day soon, all the people of Nephi will be looking to Ammonihah to show them the way."

Amulek scrunched his brow. That was an interesting thought. There was another thing that bothered him about the sons of Mosiah, though.

They’ll bring the Lamanites down on us with their preaching, he pronounced solemnly.

Jehoram nodded agreement, scratching his jaw. Yeah, too many Lamanites dislike us enough already. Plus there are all the dissenters. The former king’s own sons preaching to them isn’t going to help matters. Their Daddy didn’t teach them much about diplomacy, did he.

The more Amulek pondered that, the more disturbed he became, but he decided to banish it from his mind and put on a hopeful smile. Well, I’ll make a killing on these trades, and then, like you said, the people of Ammonihah will show the way out of this recent foolishness of elected judges.

Amen to that, cousin. Except the part about the trades. Let me know when you need that next loan. Jehoram winked, laughed, and then scrambled out of the warehouse before Amulek could punch him.

Chapter 3

88 B.C.

Tarabis entered the dining area carrying three-year-old Israela in one arm and a plate of food in the other. Amulek rose as she set the meal before him, placing his stylus next to the tablets he had been writing on.

I could have gotten that myself, he said guiltily.

His angelic wife clucked at him. I know, my dear, but you are tired, and the work you do is important.

No more important than yours, my heart. He glanced at her bulging belly. "And when the