Page 117 of Born Savage

“One day and when the time is right, you will remember this conversation.”

“You’re scaring me, Dad. I don’t understand.”

“Believe in the prophecy. Once its existence is exposed to you, you must remember to believe and have faith.”

“What prophecy? Religious?”

My father appeared as if in pain. “There are some things in life that are much more important than money, property, and power. Unfortunately, the majority of society learn that too late. There is such a thing as a greater power. Call it what you will, a supreme deity or a world full of them. There is no one religion, no one belief except in one thing. Love and survival of the human race. We forgot the lessons learned and the gods are angry. They wanted a sacrifice and they got exactly what they wanted.”

“So the gods started the war.”

“No, son. Humans did. Now we must pay the price. However, the gods knew all along we’d fail. And we did so spectacularly.”

“So what you’re telling me is that all this is for naught. That we’re all dead.”

“We could be if it weren’t for their last gift. One last gift and one last moment of faith in all of humanity. What I said about power is true. But the raw and real strength in the utmost power can occur again. A rebirth. A rise from the ashes, which is exactly what needs to happen. But it can’t without facing danger and death, trials and tribulations that will challenge everything you believe at the time. The world needs a true leader, someone who will overcome every trial, every enemy placed in front of him. Someone who is selfless, honest, and caring about all.”

I sat back, trying to understand what he was telling me. “Are you suggesting this person walks among us?”

His eyes filled with tears. “He will be marked by the sign of the God, a dark crescent moon on his inner thigh. His disciples will be marked as well and are already a force created from both darkness and light, their very existence meant as a shield of protection.”

I jerked up and away, shaking my head. “You’re not suggesting that I’m this great leader.”

He stood slowly, remaining where he was. “Yes, son. You are the chosen. The Revelator came to your mother and me long before you were conceived. You were given to us to protect. I had to put additional protections into place should anything happen to myself or your mother. That has been done.”

“Wait. Hold. The Revelator? Is this some holy man, Dad? Because I honestly don’t think anyone believes in God any longer.”

“They must!” His vehemence was unexpected. “Only entirely differently than before.”

“Okay.” What was I supposed to say?

“The Revelator is the god of light, son. He is all things that we hope we can be. He was given the opportunity to use his Angels of Destiny one last time in hopes that humanity could survive. But we are out of chances. It won’t be easy. That’s why you must be protected until the time is right. Until Eden is ready. Until the two people honored with the gift are ready to take their rightful place.”

I’d never seen my father this way. He’d never been particularly religious, but I knew he believed in a higher being. “Two people?”

He nodded. “Call them Adam and Eve, son. That’s the best way to think of them. You are the rightful king, only no one will be beneath you as there will be none above you. You will be the people, the animals and birds. You will be willing to sacrifice yourself as needed. The world is being brought back to the very beginning. The gift honored to the god of light. Do not take the gift lightly. You will face dangers and true evil, tests that will disarm you, which in time you will conquer. But do so only when ready, only when you have the forces in place.”

“You’re scaring me, Dad. I don’t like this. I’m your son. Your flesh and blood. I’m not some god capable of bringing back humanity.”

“Yes, of course you are our son. Your mother and I adore you, but you are very special; the only hope this world has to survive. There is much more to tell you, but now isn’t the right time. You will be provided with everything you need, but only when the time is right. Fear not my death for I accepted my place without hesitation. You must be protected, which includes your mind. If you and your knowledge were to fall into the wrong hands, there would be no recourse. Fires would consume the earth, volcanoes, earthquakes. The seas would rise and sweep across the earth rendering every creature into full destruction. You and your queen will be our last hope. Go with light, my son. And one day, you’ll know why. Until then, you will fight to strengthen the tether while an army of good men and women are nurtured.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Find your queen and when you do, there is little that can stop you with one exception. The greatest weakness of all. Your denial. You must embrace your destiny. Promise me you will face evil with love in your heart. Only then can this world that I love so dearly survive.”

“Of course, Dad. I promise, but nothing will happen to you. I will graduate this program and make you proud.”

He walked closer, pulling me into a hug. “You already have, son. In more ways that I can count. Trust in the Revelator and recognize the sacrifices the men of the Verndari will make. Fear not in their deaths because then, they will be exalted as angels. Find Eden, Phoenix. The answers you seek will be revealed in the lush green grasses and beautiful streams. In the blue skies and white clouds and in the laughter of those eager and willing to do whatever it takes to survive and to thrive. Never forget who and what you are. You were born Savage, but you will be king.”

When he was at the door, I lunged forward. “I love you, Father.”

“I know, son. I know. Your destiny awaits. I am so proud to call you my son.”

When I opened my eyes, my body was still shaking. A sweeping rush of emotions lingered just below the surface. I moved from the coverings on the floor, the old barn protecting us from yet another winter storm.

We’d been through several over long days that had turned into weeks, the trip taking much longer than anticipated, especially without the vehicles, the mission feeling as if unattainable.

The mission had seemed futile, the dream surreal, but I could still hear my father’s voice lingering in the back of my mind.