And this concerned Arithem most of all.
“He will make the right choice,” Zhaviel said from beside him, glancing up at Arithem, who stood at least two feet taller. “He has encountered the Commander.”
Arithem sighed. “Indeed. ’Twas so merciful of our Lord to reveal Himself to Thomas in so powerful a way. He received Him, His spirit was born anew. Behold the light within him!” He gestured toward Thomas's chest where evidence of the Holy Spirit shone brightly. “Yet he hesitates. Why?”
Zhaviel gripped the handle of his club. “He is a babe in the faith. Our enemy offers him everything he has dreamed of.” He glanced at Kyle and sighed. “And my ward salivates to kill him.”
“Wait.” Arithem lifted his chin and listened. “Someone prays for Thomas. Prayers are going up to the throne for him! Do you not smell the sweet incense?”
Zhaviel drew a deep breath. “I do, my friend. ’Tis great news. Ah, behold the light within him glows. The Father of Spirits gives him strength!”
“Such power He grants His children, the power to petition the throne! If they would but use it more often.” Hope returned to Arithem as he continued to watch.
???
The dark voices cycloned in Thomas's thoughts, enticing him, luring him to grab hold of the prize—the eternal life, the power and wealth Aali offered. The memory of his encounter with Jesus faded. Had it really happened? Or had Thomas been dreaming, sucked in by all the things Tori had told him?
Just a dream. Not real.
Something shifted inside him. The slightest sensation.
“Thomas?” Landry’s voice turned sharp, his eyes even sharper. “Lord Aali is waiting.”
A kaleidoscope of images passed through his mind—glowing beings with swords, rescues from certain death, fresh bread every morning, Callie opening her little eyes as breath came back into her, the love shared between the Deviants, and the image of Jesus on the beach with the hole in his wrist.
I will never leave you or forsake you. The promise grew within him, filling every crevice of his soul.
Thomas faced Aali. “I will never bow to you or take your stamp. I bow only to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His name is Jesus.”
Several things happened all at once. At the name of Jesus, Aali covered his ears and let out an ear-piercing scream, the dark voices that had been haunting Thomas disappeared, Kyle snorted in disgust, and Landry stared at Thomas as if he’d sprouted wings and hovered in the air.
He grabbed his arm. Tight. “What are you saying?”
Thomas yanked from his grasp. “I thought I was quite plain.”
“Told you he was one of them.” Kyle nodded for the guards to grab him.
“I want him dead!” Aali shouted. “Crucified for all to see!”
Landry bowed before him. “It will be done, my Lord.”
A spark of fear burst within Thomas, but he pushed it down. Whatever kind of death he endured, he’d not do it alone, and it would be worth it in the end. He knew that now.
“How dare you waste my time with this charade, Landry!” Aali cursed, his face twisted in rage. The hologram disappeared.
Landry’s eyes flared red. “Look what you have done!” He pointed a finger at Thomas. “You fool!”
Thomas smiled as the guards gripped both his arms. “No, sir. I have finally come to my senses.”
“Take him away!” Landry shouted, the pain in his eyes evident behind his anger. “Lock him up until I can make the appropriate arrangements.” He faced Thomas again. “You love this Jesus so much, then you will suffer and die just like He did.”
???
Kyle should be thrilled to watch the great Thomas Benton fall. And at first he was. After all, he’d been right about the Vice Regent’s loyalties from the beginning, and he reminded Landry of just that after Thomas had been dragged away.
But now, alone in his luxurious NWF apartment, his thoughts and emotions flipped this way and that on a roller coaster of confusion and anguish. Sure, he’d suspected Thomas all along, but watching him actually turn down a huge promotion, tons of money and power,andeternal life for this God of the Bible completely and utterly baffled him. Especially when it meant certain death. And a very long, torturous death at that.
Then there was Calan. Kyle had seen the same look in his eyes that he’d seen in Thomas’—a look of peace, confidence, joy. Even as Calan was about to have his head chopped off, even then, he’d not shown an ounce of fear or regret. In fact, quite the opposite.
