Thomas leaned his knuckles on the table. “The truth is that your God is an evil, controlling bully. Why do you follow Him? Why risk everything for Him?”
Tori’s heart shriveled, not only at his words, but at the darkness pulsating in his eyes. She had heard Thomas and Daniel had started a successful church. When she’d finally got saved, she hoped Thomas had also. She’d prayed for him, in fact, even though she’d heard he’d been left behind when the Rapture occurred. But this? This complete denial and defilement of the true God?
“What happened toyou, Thomas?” she shot back. “You, of all people, know the truth.”
Thomas pushed from the table. “Bunch of lies. Lies that lead to death.”
She fingered the course fabric of her gray prison jumpsuit before gazing up at him. “Jesus is the one true and living God, Thomas. It is you who have been deceived.”
Horror filled his eyes as he shifted them to a camera perched in the top right corner, then back to her. “You shouldn’t say such things, Tori. You could be executed on sight.”
“And that’s a bad thing?” Being freed from this horrible world and going home to her Savior? She hated being in prison, locked up where she couldn’t do any good, couldn’t help people, couldn’t try to open people’s eyes before it was too late. She lifted an unspoken prayer.Either bring me home, Father, or set me free so I can serve You.
“Don’t be a fool!” Thomas shouted, bringing her attention back to him. “Listen, I can have the file deleted, if you will only cooperate with me.” His voice softened, making her pity him, pity the darkness covering his mind and heart, pity the tough position she was putting him in.
Tori ran a hand through her messy black hair. “What is it you want?”
Retaking his seat, Thomas leaned closer to her. “Just two little things. Two things, and I can set you free.”
She waited, all the while knowing whatever he asked, she could not comply. The smell of alcohol stung her nose. “You’re drunk.”
He frowned. “Not yet. But I plan on it soon.”
“You never used to drink.”
“Do you want to hear my demands or not?”
She shrugged. “Go ahead.”
“One, you deny this Jesus, this God of the Bible, and two, you give me the location or locations of any illegal churches you are aware of.”
“No can do, Thomas. Sorry.” No hesitation. No need to ponder her answer.
His jaw stiffened again, and he emitted a low growl. “You don’t have to actually believe it. Just say it,” he whispered. “Andjust give me one location. Something I can take to the Regent to prove your value.”
Tori searched his eyes for any glimpse of her old friend. That he was willing to compromise his position to help her meant part of the old Thomas was still in there. But she could not meet him. Not even halfway. “You just don’t get it, do you?”
“Get what?” He reached a hand toward her across the table, but instantly pulled back. “That you’re throwing your life away and putting me in an impossible position.”
“Okay, how about this then? If you order my execution, I forgive you and absolve you of all guilt.” She smiled. “And as far as throwing my life away, that’s what you don’t get. I’ve found my life, eternal life, real life in Jesus. I would never give that up. Ever. So, you might as well close that file, stamp it with “Unable to reprogram. Recommend Execution,” and be on your way.”
???
“That’s the way to tell him!” Zarall shouted, raising his fist in the air. He glanced at his friend Arithem beside him. “Such a brave daughter of Eve! I find myself oft astounded at the courage of these weak humans.”
Arithem nodded his approval, but his eyes were on Thomas. “It pains me to see him treat a child of the Commander with such dishonor.”
Zarall gripped the mighty ax that always hung at his side. “’Tis not his fault, my friend. He is under the control of many dark spirits. See how they swarm through him, whispering their lies in his ears, causing confusion.”
Indeed, Arithem knew of these vile demons, knew the exact number inhabiting his ward, though he could do naught about them. “Aye. Most of the time, they remain subdued, silent even, but behold how the presence of this daughter of the Most High, along with her words of life, stir them into a frenzy.”
Shadows, black and nebulous, spun tangled webs around Thomas. If he could but see himself in the spirit, he would see naught but a mummy wrapped tight in chains of lies and deceit.
A spirit leapt from within Thomas toward the two mighty warriors, emitting a hideous growl and baring black pointed teeth.
Arithem drew his blade. The crimson light sped from the handle. Gripping it tightly, he raised it, intending to chop off the head of the heinous being.
Zarall stayed his hand. Not an easy task, for Arithem’s strength far surpassed his own. “We cannot. We bear no authority to do them harm lest the son of Adam petitions for aid and protection.”
