The Kingdom - Page 190/201

I turned to take in all the listening warriors and I said broadly to all of them, "All of you are welcome to come, but it involves making a choice grounded in faith. It does you no good to come if you do not believe in the new covenant as I do. That new covenant is to be found in Kuri, the man you rejected as leader over you. It is not too late to join him, but the hour has grown late and soon there will be hardship as never before. I pray that you choose to believe now in the source of the redemption of all mankind instead of waiting to believe at a later date. Tomorrow I leave to join my men and women waiting for the King of Shamayim who is coming soon. Very soon."

With that said I started down the wall that vibrated underfoot. Calling out behind me I added, "I very much doubt that any assault will be made on the wall now and I believe it would be advisable for as many of you as possible to get off of it." A crack split through a rock in the wall beside my head as if to prove the efficacy of my words.

With newfound strength I made my way down the stairs, confident that many were now ready to come along with me on the journey tomorrow.

A tall, dark shadow of a man stood up ahead of me and as I drew closer I recognized in astonishment the form of Bruton. I had not known that he was a man of Yesathurim lineage, but his residence here echoed loudly of that fact.

I came to a stop, uncertain as to what this man would do. Slowly I watched as he held a massive hand out to me. I took it wondering if it was a trap and that my hand would soon be smashed beyond repair within his grip, but he squeezed only lightly.

In his deep voice he spoke, "You once gave me life and now I have new life beyond any that you extended to me. Where once I was damned, now I am free to live. I will be with you on the journey tomorrow for I believe even as you."

Feeling a bit overcome I said, "I'm glad to have you Bruton. The King's glad too."

For the first time I saw the somber features of this man split wide in a smile that warmed the night as he said, "I know."