by 5kops
Releasing the power, the creature gathered Bowon's wandering, confused soul. It cradled it in its caressing hands and looked down upon such an insignificant thing.
"It is not your time yet, my son," the creature whispered to the soul. "There are things you must still do."
Bowon's soul was held immobile by the creature yet soothed by the explanation.
"Once long ago, I told you that you would find the source that Heaven seeks. I told you that once found, you would destroy it and bring down the Bre'Dmorian Order, destroying those that cherish law and order. Now, young one, now that time has come. You must now slay that which cannot be killed, my son. It is your destiny to do this, to change reality."
The soul of Bowon intensified at the request, becoming resdess in the creature's grasp.
"I understand your failures, son," said the being. "I am He who sent you down this path. However, you are the one who can do what needs to be done, the only one with love strong enough to make this happen."
Again the soul buzzed in the creatures hands.
"Do not fret," smiled the creature with sadness. "I am here for you. I know what I ask of you and though I cannot truly empathize, I sympathize with your loss. But this must come to pass. Something beyond your understanding is about to come into existence."
Bowon's soul winked in and out in with more questions. It asked the divine being when such a thing needed to unfold.
"You will know when the time is right, son," explained the celestial creature. "Until then, embrace the miracle that has been sent to man . . . for it still needs time to grow."
Bowon's soul became quiet and trembled with loss and understanding.
The creature nodded. It breathed understanding into the soul of Bowon, purpose and resolve. It added a touch of sadness, forged of love. Finally, it added one last thing: justice.
With a flick of its wrist the creature released Bowon's soul, and chanting softly, used its infinite power to rebind the soul to its mortal body. As the soul found its way home, the creature dissolved, and the silence lifted.
As the soul struggled to find its way back to existence, it heard the fleeting words: "And so begins the Apocalypse."
ERIC FOGLE is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Sunmark Seeds, Ind. in Portland Oregon. He began his writing career in 1994 after reading an extraordinary novel, The Magician's Apprentice^ by Raymond Feist. At the time, he was unaware how awesomely vivid settings and deep characters would inspire him to write. As such, he has not stopped reading nor writing since; collecting over 200 novels from various fantasy writers.
In 2004, Eric finished the first book in the Forge of the Gods series, The Last Knight.
Now, he lives with his wife, Kristy, in Troutdale, Oregon. His life is filled with days of writing, nights of playing computer games, and weekends filled with softball and basketball I Iowever, it can only get better now that he is living his dream—writing compelling novels for the world to read.
He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected]. Or you can visit his website at: www.ericfogle.com.
