The Kingdom - Page 163/201

Coughing, Ayaya sat up, suddenly conscious of her surroundings. She stared around the empty temple in surprise. Feeling at her throat she realized it had been restored to wholeness even as her spirit sang forth of joy from within.

Her eyes fell on the only other occupant of the empty temple. The form of the warrior, who had come to bear witness to her and had fought for her, lay upon the floor.

Hurriedly she moved over to him, fearful that he had died in the fight for her return to the land of the living. Instantly she relaxed as she saw his back rise on an indrawn breath. She shook him as revelation came to her as to what to do next.

Blinking, I looked up into Ayaya's eyes. She smiled tearfully before fiercely hugging me. Drawing back she said, "Thank you for your faithfulness!"

I smiled at the joy that seemed to radiate out of her in waves. It was like looking at a completely different person.

Sudden seriousness came to her eyes and her hand came to rest upon my shoulder, "We do not have much time! Armies of darkness held over to this day are even now marching forth on all of Ayenathurim. My people, the Yesathurim, and the other people of this world are all in grave danger. Those of the Yesathurim who believe, even as you, are now of one spiritual blood. We are hated the world over for this and we will be destroyed by both those of our own family and those of darkness. The time that was foretold is upon us and we are two witnesses of this. Go to the remnant of your people who believe and take them to the East. They must forsake all their possessions in order to flee what is coming against which no armed resistance will be able to hold out."

"What of you?" I asked.

"I will take those who will believe the truth of the new covenant from these lands and go to the fortress in the Holy Mountains. There, I will urge my people to forsake the defense of the city; a city never intended to stand in the first place as the Kingdom of El Elyon is not made with the bricks of man nor is it a place that can be overcome."

"They will not listen to you. They didn't listen to Kuri."

She nodded, as her eyes were suddenly cloaked in sadness, "I know, but I still must try. Perhaps some will listen. If only one will listen it is a victory. I will join you in the East and together our peoples of the new covenant will be one, for we are unified by the spirit of El Elyon to be the first fruits of the Kingdom."