The Return

By Richard Nathan and Linda Nathan

"I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the first and the last,
the beginning and the end."
Revelation 22:13

This final thriller in the Omega Point Series concludes amidst massive upheavals and approaching judgment as Seattle's Arcane Institute and the global Harmony Keepers close in on Loren, the now-pregnant Eve, and their hidden Christian community in the San Juan Islands.

Still new Christians, Loren and Eve Montcrest are learning in the midst of continuing fiery trials about the power and faithfulness of their Lord despite the evils of their global society called Harmony. Living in the light doesn't happen automatically— it's a daily choice and battle with Christ as the head.

Though they long for comfort and protection, the couple soon learns their island refuge is part of a dangerous volcanic chain that is awakening, forcing them to face the reality that there is no absolute safety on Earth. Even worse, they soon learn that old friends and their mentor, Alexander Renkin, are brutally enslaved in the heart of darkness. Will they sacrifice their new comfort and security to help them? How can they even penetrate such strongholds?

Jasmine Crenford, head of Seattle's Arcane Institute, and her lackey Florian are determined to eradicate the secret Christian underground in the Pacific Northwest even as they struggle between themselves for power. But Jasmine's terrible secrets plunge her new protege and Eve's best friend into madness. Meanwhile, the witch Sonia, who tried to kill Loren and Eve, is terrified for her own life but finds surprising refuge in a most unlikely place.

Can Eve and Loren penetrate the dark world of Harmony to rescue their friends? Can they survive their dark global society?

Can God really protect the persecuted?

Each novel is a fast-paced spiritual thriller with contemporary flair and a solid biblical foundation that plays on today's fascination with paganism, fantasy, and witchcraft to plumb their deceptive nature in the Light of Jesus Christ. The overall message is one of hope in the power and love of the Lord in the midst of a darkening world.

Our readers enjoy the backdrop of a one-world government set in the near future, though there's no prophetic timetable. The series best fits the Christy Awards category of "futuristic." Their ages range from young adult to mature.

And will He turn the great tide of deception from a glittering web into a shining net that gathers up His people?

As the shaking begins, who will stand?

ABOUT THE OMEGA POINT SERIES:

Each novel is a fast-paced spiritual thriller with contemporary flair and a solid biblical foundation that plays on today's fascination with paganism, fantasy, and witchcraft to plumb their deceptive nature in the Light of Jesus Christ. The overall message is one of hope in the power and love of the Lord in the midst of a darkening world.

Our readers enjoy the backdrop of a one-world government set in the near future, though there's no prophetic timetable. The series best fits the Christy Awards category of "futuristic." Our readers' ages range from young adult to mature.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9781735705965

Richard Nathan

Richard Nathan is a Director and Principal of Bosquet Capital and Co-Founder and Director of Red Circle Authors Limited. Prior to this he worked for Kyodo News, the international journal of science Nature and the international publisher Macmillan.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

RIDING THE WIND

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Some went down to the sea in ships,

doing business on the great waters;

they saw the deeds of the LORD,

his wondrous works in the deep.

Psalm 107:23–24

January 25, 2051

The early morning fog lifting off the water unveiled a jewel-like morning, the kind that makes up for the rest of the year in the Pacific Northwest and that sometimes occurs in January, though Loren knew it wouldn’t last long.

The sailboat seemed as though descended from Heaven as it sloshed and thumped against the rubber bumpers on the log pilings in the bay, waiting to unfurl its white wings and spirit them away from Seattle to a kinder, purer realm. Loren’s heart soared at the sight of it.

But for a wild moment a terrifying memory shattered his peace, and the undertow of their old life gripped him. He and Eve were fighting for their lives, struggling to escape the rat-infested darkness in Seattle’s underground city after an enormous explosion. Helplessly, he relived it scene by horrifying scene until he remembered their rescue by Rudy, the kind old man in Volunteer Park with his little dog Yap…then Anton with his cleaning van. And soon they would be safe in Shiloh—a hidden Christian community in the San Juan Islands!

Maybe those sails are angels’ wings...

He looked over at Eve, grasped her hand, and squeezed it. Clutching the baby book she’d bought while escaping, Eve smiled at him, her expression dreamy. As she gazed out the van’s window, Anton pulled the van to a stop in front of Squeaky Clean Rug Cleaning’s office on Elliott Bay, and her eyes widened at the lovely scene.

Several squawking seagulls flapped indignantly at the truck, then settled back onto the dock’s pilings. Two early morning bicyclists, their bright turquoise gear glowing in the sunshine like fairy dragonflies, pedaled up a nearby hill and disappeared.

The office was respectable and trim despite regular poundings from storms. Square-paned windows in the weather-beaten, grey-shingled building sparkled in the icy morning, set off by white shutters and matching window boxes filled with small azaleas.

Looks like a woman’s touch, Loren decided.

As the electronic garage door opened, a short, plump woman in a blue ski sweater and slacks stepped out the door, her warm blue eyes alight with both concern and relief. Anton leaned back against the seat and exhaled deeply. Then he eased the van inside while behind them, the door hummed shut.

I was beginning to get worried. The woman’s tight smile relaxed.

Yeah. He yanked open the door, slid out, and caught her in his arms. Sorry to be so long, but I got them. He nodded toward the back of the van where Loren and Eve crouched, then he got out and opened the rear doors.

You okay in there?

It’s a little stuffy, but we’re fine. Loren emerged first, stretching his long legs and studying their balding rescuer. Anton appeared in his fifties, short and stocky, with kind eyes, Italian for sure.

Good. Anton checked his watch. We’ll catch a few bites, then leave immediately. I keep the boat stashed and ready.

Are we going in that beautiful sailboat? Loren gazed at the vessel bobbing near the dock several hundred feet away. A light seemed to radiate from it, beckoning him with waves of freedom and adventure.

"Like her? Built her myself. Named her The Spirit. She’s very efficient for traveling the islands with the wind."

Eve dropped unsteadily out of the van, and before Loren could assist her, the other woman stepped forward and caught her arm. Hi, I’m Annette Krueger, Anton’s wife. That ride couldn’t have been too comfortable. Her eyes surveyed Eve with a cautious vigilance. She didn’t mention that the news was full of the explosion in downtown Seattle, the discovery of the underground Christian sanctuary, and their escape. Pictures of the couple were everywhere with a massive reward offered for their capture by the Arcane Institute.

Come into the house and warm up. I’ve got coffee, eggs, and toast ready.

Annette led them around the back of the office into a small house that matched the office building. Please, make yourselves comfortable. She gestured at the dining chairs, then began dishing up eggs and pouring coffee into the stoneware pottery on the oak table.

Anton seated himself between Eve and Loren. So, you were both in the Arcane Institute, and now you’re Christians, and you’re pregnant, Eve, after many barren years. That’s quite a rescue story. For a moment, his eyes were inscrutable. Then he warmly gripped their hands. Well, if Alexander trusts you two, that’s good enough for us.

Eve’s eyes lit up, and she brushed away a tear. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.

We’re happy to help, Annette said. I’m packing a good-sized ice chest of food for your journey, and Anton will be delivering supplies to Shiloh. You’ll need them for that baby coming. Annette smiled as she bustled around the wood-paneled kitchen, humming. You’ll love Shiloh.

Not many people come this way, Anton said. That’s why we chose it. As Annette seated herself, he opened a large Bible. "Here’s a word to help you. Isaiah 33:6 says, ‘He will be the sure foundation for your times. a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.’

Heavenly Father, once again, we thank You for Your immense grace and protection in this dark world. Despite how things look, we know You are sovereign. Thank You for rescuing all of us. We look to you for a safe and successful journey that we may continue to serve You. In the Name of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

He turned to Eve. When’s your baby due, Eve?

Eve sighed. June sometime, I think. I’m a little unsure when I got pregnant.

Annette took her hand and smiled. Well, if you all ever need a safe place, we’ll be here for you.

Loren inhaled the tangy salt air deeply and closed his eyes, listening to the water sing its soft music, slapping and caressing the boat’s hull.

Real beauty, isn’t she? Anton smiled. We keep her ready to fly at a moment’s notice.

There are others then? Like us, I mean?

Occasional, though I don’t hear about many. Conversions come hard these days. Anton began tossing gear and provisions on board. You two are pretty unusual with your background. But we keep her ready just in case. Come on. He threw the last rope onto the dock.

The sky turned pearly as the diesel/electric motor chugged into life, and the trim craft headed north through the dark waters.

As Loren watched the dock slip away, he felt as though the door on their past life was closing behind them too.

What lay ahead? Would Shiloh be safe?

Eve hugged her coat around her in the chill cockpit. Ugh. I’m already getting seasick. How far is Shiloh?

We’ll make it today. Anton laid his arm on the tiller. If you want coffee, there’s a small kitchen down there. He pointed at a short flight of steps.

Hmm, I think I’d rather sleep if I can. I feel nauseous. She yawned and shivered.

You’ll find blankets and bunks down there, too. A little musty, I’m afraid.

No problem. She disappeared into the dark cavity.

The two men sat silently watching the morning brighten and patches of rainclouds reflect on the watery scene while the canvas rippled in the soft wind. Anton smiled. Just right for a good ride. God’s wind, I pray.

Loren sniffed the salt spray. Wind in our sails... What’s it like at Shiloh, Anton?

Well… The older man stared out to sea. I gather you’ve been pretty isolated so far, so the first thing is you’ll become part of a real Christian community—God’s Church.

Christians living together. Loren pondered it. People like Alexander…Anton and Annette. Others to study the Bible with…pray with…

It sounds wonderful, he decided out loud.

Oh, it’s not just Christians living together. You’re going to experience the wider Body of Christ, the living organism God created when He sent Christ into this world over two thousand years ago. He told His disciples the gates of hell wouldn’t prevail against it.

Loren stared at him. That’s encouraging. I feel like I just came through those gates. Why don’t you live on Shiloh, Anton?

Anton sniffed the salty air. By now a brisk breeze was moving them forward with considerable speed. The Lord told me to do what I’m doing. There’ve got to be people who can bring in others, like you and Eve.

If there are any others. Would you like to live there?

Sometimes. Annette was born and raised there. I know she’d like to go back.

Really! Loren stared at Anton. Why’d she leave?

She met me on one of my supply runs. He grinned. I guess I was just too irresistible.

So, people must live there a long time then…

Some have.

I’m very grateful for your help. Loren gazed warmly at their guide. Thanks—thanks a lot. I know you two must risk your lives doing this. He stuck out a hand. Anton looked surprised, then pleased, and grabbed the hand while he continued steering the boat.

It’s a blessing doing the Lord’s work, he said with a shy smile. You look cold. Here, try this. He pulled out a tartan blanket from underneath a seat and tossed it at Loren.

Loren snuggled under the wrap and appraised his new friend. Since their flight from Capitol Hill, he’d been so intent on protecting Eve and escaping that nothing else had mattered. Yet this man had gone to considerable lengths to bring them this far, protecting them from God only knew what.

Before they'd escaped from Seattle, he’d had trouble believing their society was as dangerous as Alexander and Timothy—and now Anton and Annette—thought. It’s so radical...these sudden changes, losses, dangers... But now, it felt like the wind was blowing the ballast away, and he was experiencing a liberating release, an incredible feeling of freedom.

Look over there! Anton pointed to a heavily wooded island they were passing. Several dozen people in green overalls were unloading big crates from a ship. That’s a training compound for Harmony Keepers. They do strange experiments there too. We’ll keep our distance. He steered away.

Loren studied the scene, then turned toward Anton. How’d you become a Christian?

I felt like life was meaningless, so I started going to the KINDness church where I met Alexander. There was something about him that was, well, different.

That’s for sure. A pang struck Loren at the thought of the kind old man who’d helped them so much. Where is he now? Is he safe?

I started meeting with him, asking questions, searching, reading the NAV Bible—you know, the New Age Version. He was very cautious for quite a while, but I’m sure he could see my real need and was praying for me. Then one day, he suddenly started sharing about sin and salvation and judgment and hell and the real Jesus Christ who forgives sin. I immediately knew it was true, and I wanted it more than anything. I got saved right on the spot—born again—and Alex started discipling me.

How wonderful! Loren grinned at Anton. But listen, I’m worried about Alexander. Is he all right?

That’s not something I can know, Loren.

Do you know Timothy—uh, back in Seattle?

Uh huh.

Well, he said something about how Harmony wouldn’t allow Alexander’s faith to ‘infect’ their perfect society—that they’d try to make him a false witness or something like that… What did he mean?

Anton looked away. The wind picked up, and he wrapped a scarf around his neck.

Harmony Village, he finally muttered. He was talking about Harmony Village, Loren. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? It’s on the grounds of the former state mental hospital in Sedro-Woolley. Nice little town. Beautiful grounds.

Yeah, sure, I’ve heard of Harmony Village.

Right. Everybody’s heard of it. Most people just don’t know what goes on there. Acres of beautiful countryside full of heavily guarded buildings. It’s the Harmony Keepers’ Pacific Northwest headquarters. He looked around uneasily as if a squad of Harmony Keepers would suddenly spring from the sea.

They put dissidents there, Loren, Christians mostly. Label them insane. Because they’re dissenters, they have to be insane, right? You’re only cured, of course, when you submit to Harmony.

Loren gripped the railing, his knuckles white. Are you… saying… that’s what’ll happen to Alexander if they catch him?

Anton clutched the side of the boat as it bounced on a wave. If the stories I hear are true. Only, of course, no rubber sheets or lobotomies these days. They have more effective methods.

Coffee’s on. Eve’s curly red head bobbed up in the stairwell. I’m coming up. There’re some sweet rolls Annette gave us. Mmm and strawberry jam.

Loren’s heart leapt at the sight of her. Here, let me take that tray.

Careful—the coffee’s hot!

I won’t spill. He laughed. Just looking at her gave him a fresh feeling of hope. She appeared radiantly beautiful in her pregnancy, something he hardly ever saw in women in their society, if he saw pregnant women at all. He set the tray down.

Feeling better?

She smiled and inched across the cockpit to a seat, balancing a cup of peppermint tea. The tea helps.

An escalating wind began whipping the craft through the waves.

Did I catch Alexander’s name? Anton, do you know where he is?

The two men exchanged glances.

Come on, you guys, I want to know. Is he safe?

Well, we’re hopeful, Loren mumbled, biting into a sweet roll. Mm, delicious.

This is a dangerous society, Anton said quietly. He needs our prayers, Eve. If they catch him…

Eve blanched, and she set down her roll.

We need to pray he won’t give away Annette and me—or Shiloh. Or Timothy, Or our other friends.

Oh! He wouldn’t do such a thing! she said hastily.

People do a lot of things they don’t want to do under Harmony’s, uh, treatments, Anton muttered.

But where would they take him?

Probably Harmony Village. Loren put his arm around Eve.

Harmony Village? I’ve heard of it.

Eve shivered and looked out at the sea. In the late afternoon light, its waters had changed from the morning’s dark gray to a dull green in the troughs with frothing white peaks in the whipping wind. She rose and started downstairs. Well, I’m glad we won’t be going there. I’m heading back to bed.

Late that afternoon, Anton pointed to a dot on the horizon. That’s it.

Washed by a recent rainfall, the family of green islands around them glistened under a partly blue sky. An Orca whale leaped, flashed its huge tail, and disappeared. Loren leaned over the railing, watching the waves splash and the green dot grow closer.

Where are we generally, Anton?

We’re in the Salish Sea partway up the Strait of Georgia near what used to be Canada. It’s very isolated. You know, Harmony wiped out the former names of political boundaries like states and countries when it went global, but I’m old enough to prefer the original names. They did leave waterway names intact though.

In the distance, dark rain clouds were rushing from the north, but Loren scarcely noticed them or the rising whipping wind and choppy whitecaps. Instead, he closed his eyes, imagining their new home at Shiloh, whose name meant peace. Tears clouded his eyes, and he sighed with a deep sense of contentment.

The whispered words slipped into his spirit so gently he almost missed them:

Be ready to return…

CHAPTER 2

THE GATHERING STORM

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Pounding winds, lightning flashes, and thunder peals followed by icy sheets of hail and rain pounded the tiny craft, blasting the three souls huddling on board. Anton hurriedly lowered the sails and threw equipment into the hatch with Loren’s help while, below deck, Eve clutched the bunk frame, retching miserably.

But the violent surface storms were nothing compared to the calamity growing deep below the surface where vast sheets of the earth’s crust groaned and ground against each other, and where a terrible heat was even now transforming stone into molten lava.

The Cascade Volcanic Arc stretches from off the Pacific Northwest coast near the northern part of California as far north as Vancouver Island in Canada. It includes nearly twenty major volcanoes with over 4,000 separate volcanic vents. The Arc is 680 miles long, formed deep underwater by the edge of one massive geologic crustal plate descending below the rim of another. Although these tectonic plates move slowly at only 0.4 inches per year, the vast fault area means plate slippage in the zone can create massive earthquakes even greater than magnitude 9.0. For years, Pacific Northwesterners have wondered when the Big One would come that would wipe out the entire Pacific Coast. The area’s last great earthquake was a 9.0 on January 26, 1700, and its tsunami destroyed towns as far away as Japan.

Many in the region believe the next one is long overdue.

But the Cascade Arc is only one small part of a much larger formation known as the Ring of Fire. The Ring covers nearly 25,000 miles along the rim of the Pacific Ocean. It contains the other 450 of the earth’s volcanoes and unleashes 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes along with the gigantic tsunamis that accompany them. It’s a massive, interconnected web of incredible beauty and fiery danger precariously balanced by natural and invisible forces.

On good days, the countless islands, reefs, and rocks forming the archipelago between Vancouver Island and the mainland of the former United States glow like jewels on the broad sweep of deep, blue-green water, and one can see their high rocky shores and forested slopes. On stormy days like today, cloaks of fog and rain shroud them.

Such was Fern Island, precisely 10.4 miles long and 7.6 miles wide, tucked near the former border between Canada and the United States—and to the ignorant observer, nearly uninhabited.

While the wind screamed and whistled like a banshee and the waves beat against them, Anton edged the bedraggled sloop behind a natural sea wall jutting out from the island’s cliffs and dropped anchor. The protecting cliffs muffled the thundering waves, and he fell back onto a bench exhausted, wiping his wet forehead with his sleeve.

This is it? Loren said, appearing at the top of the stairs. There’s nothing to see here but these cliffs.

Exactly, murmured Anton. Exactly. His eyes glinted darkly, and he glanced at his watch. Good timing. Only an hour and ten minutes until the tunnel opens.

Did you say tunnel? Loren wiped the rain out of his eyes and peered at the stony barriers. What tunnel? Are you sure this is the right island?

Oh, it’s the right island, all right, Anton said with a wink. You’ll see. How about some hot chocolate while we wait? He started downstairs.

Waves crashed on the high stone walls, and the wind whistled a mournful wail as the three huddled in the tiny galley. Despite the boat’s violent rocking, the two men sipped their chocolate, but Eve, her face greenish, clutched her stomach and occasionally made retching sounds.

I don’t know how you ever get used to this, she muttered.

Guess I was born to it, Anton said with a compassionate smile. Finally, he looked at his watch and stood up.

It’s time, he murmured. Come on. You don’t want to miss this.

Sea spray from the high winds drenched Loren as he stepped onto the deck behind Anton. He lowered his rain hat and stared at where Anton was pointing.

Look, Loren! Watch what’s happening as the tide recedes. Anton pointed at a dark cavernous hole appearing in the cliffs about a hundred feet away where waves were flinging themselves against the cliffs and washing in and out of the cavern.

Shiloh’s secret entrance, Anton said, his round face lighting up with a big grin.

Eve approached the men, her eyes widening at the sight of the tunnel. We’re not going in there, are we? she whispered, her teeth chattering.

Nothing to be afraid of, Anton said, maneuvering the boat past whirlpools among the rocks toward the black hole. It’s a lava tube, and it’s perfectly safe.

A what? Loren said, gaping at the gloomy void. Chilling images from late-night horror movies came to mind of man-eating sharks and ravenous sea monsters lurking in dark caves.

A lava tube. It’s what was left after a flow of lava created a tunnel. Another word for it is a pyroduct.

A volcanic vent? Eve said, her voice trembling. "You mean—you mean, this island is a volcano?" She looked around as though searching for a safe place to run.

It’s very, very old, Eve, Anton said. There’s been no major activity on it for ages, and this community has been here for a long time. You don’t need to worry. After all, the entire Pacific Northwest is part of a massive volcanic network, and we’ve been fine so far.

It is? Eve whispered.

Don’t be afraid. God’s in control, and He’s provided this place for our needs.

Shiloh is underground? Loren asked, bemused.

Well, we are the underground church, after all. Anton grinned at his joke as he deftly steered the sailboat past another whirlpool.

Oh, no, please, not underground again, Eve moaned, trembling. Please…no… She clenched Loren’s jacket, and he put his arm around her.

Don’t worry, Honey, he said uncertainly. We’ll be safe here.

That’s what you said in Seattle, she muttered. The baby—I—I’ve got to lay down. She stumbled back downstairs mumbling about volcanoes just as the dark clouds released more sheets of icy snow and hail.

Anton switched on running lights, then deftly slipped between two large boulders into the mouth of the tube and shut off the motor as a strong current gripped the craft and pulled it deep inside. The screech of a lone seagull died in the distance, then the darkness closed around them, and a muffled calm swallowed up the crashing of wind and waves. The air was damp and salty, and eerie moments passed as they sailed in pitch darkness through the ancient stone passageway, the only sound the quiet slosh of water caressing the hull and dying away in cascading echoes.

Miles to the south on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, Jasmine Crenford stalked through her sanctuary at the Arcane Institute. On the couch, Florian, who’d replaced the deceased Reginald Crenford as Master of Harmony, nursed a drink and speculated about his uncertain future while watching the dark clouds roll in over Lake Union.

A coming cloudburst for sure, he thought, though he doubted any storm could be as bad as the one inside the Arcane Mistress—a storm he unfortunately felt powerless to escape.

That wretched drone, she muttered, referring to the drone whose crash had allowed Eve to escape. I want the company that makes them canceled! She could’ve led us to Loren! She smacked her hand on the back of the couch behind Florian, making him jump and slosh his drink. Then she kicked