Romans 10:9
Chapter 33
Halting before the Communications Room at NWF Reformation Headquarters, Thomas closed his eyes.Lord, if you’re really with me, I need Your strength now more than ever.
No voice came, no blanket of warmth and assurance, but deep inside, a sense of purpose, truth, power, and, yes, love stirred and grew to fill his soul. The Holy Spirit lived within him, the proof of the living God and assurance of salvation, giving him strength to endure whatever came.
Smiling, he opened the door and hobbled inside the dark room used for virtual communication with those far away. Thomas suspected who he’d be conversing with, and one look at Landry’s grin confirmed it.
What Thomas had not expected was Sergeant Cruz’s presence, along with two NWF guards standing at attention on either side of the hologram projection pedestal. One of them held a medical bag in his hand.
Landry approached. His eyes held the usual approval and pride—a sentiment Thomas had craved for so long to fill his feelings of unworthiness, his need for a father.
But he had a Father now, the best one.
“This is a momentous occasion, Tom. Not many people are privileged enough to meet with Lord Aali one-on-one. Or at least the closest thing to it.” He clapped Thomas on the back.
Cruz, who stood beside one of the guards, frowned. Or was it more a sneer?
Thomas released a sigh. “I’m surprised he would take the time for me.”
“Why wouldn’t he? You are only two steps removed from being one of his personal spiritual advisers.” Landry nodded at the technician sitting behind an instrument panel. “Besides, he requested an audience, said he wanted to witness your loyalty for himself. I don’t have to tell you how important this meeting is, Tom. His Lordship’s impression of you could skyrocket your career immediately.”
Thomas swallowed, mind and emotions spinning.
Yes…you can finally have everything you want, the slippery voice whispered in his ear.
“Lord Aali is ready,” the technician announced.
Landry waved a hand for him to proceed.
A vertical beam of light appeared on the pedestal and instantly expanded into the image of Lord Aali. He looked much the same as the few times Thomas had seen him in person. Yet, he seemed taller, his eyes more narrow, and his clothing more refined. Jewels glittered around the fringe of his coat and across his fingers, and he stood with an almost palpable arrogance that had been absent before.
“Hello, Thomas,” he said. “I have granted you a great privilege and opportunity today.” His voice was deep and carried an echo that made it sound otherworldly and ominous.
“Thank you for the audience,” Thomas said.
Landry leaned in to whisper in his ear. “My Lord.”
Ignoring him, Thomas hoped Aali wouldn’t notice his omission.
Aali cocked his head, studying Thomas with piercing, dark eyes that reminded him of black holes, sucking in all the light around him.
“Regent Landry speaks well of you, but if you are to continue in my service, I wish to witness your loyalty for myself.” Aali smiled. Not a friendly smile or a kind smile, but one that sent a barbed chill through Thomas.
If he was supposed to respond, he failed again. His mind spun in a thousand directions even as his eyes landed once again on the medical bag in the guard’s hands.
They intended to give him the mark!
Aali’s jaws tightened at Thomas's silence. He cleared his throat, staring at him, his penetrating gaze slicing deep into Thomas's soul. “You must bow before me, Thomas Benton, swear your allegiance to me as your leader and your god,” he said, almost in a pleading tone. Odd. “Then receive my stamp on your hand. Follow me and you will live forever!”
Thomas's gaze shifted from Aali to Landry to Cruz and finally to the medical bag.Eternal life, power, and pleasures! a voice swirled in the air around Thomas with the stench of death and decay.
His heart thundered. A tingling traversed his spine and down his arms. He could have everything he’d ever wanted right here and now.Orhe could give it all up and be executed.
???
Arithem stood, arms crossed over his mighty chest, helplessly watching to see what Thomas would do. Aye, Arithem had seen the demons whispering lies in his ward’s ears, knew Thomas recognized their voices, but he had not rebuked them yet.
