An Unholy Redemption Chapter 10.1 continued

“General, General Silas!” All the press were standing and shouting to gain the general’s attention for one final question. Amongst this confusion, the general tried to find the blue-eyed man who had disappeared amongst a deluge of reporters, but he was nowhere to be found. “No more questions! The General will retire now for an emergency meeting.” The Captain, accompanied by two guardsmen, escorted the General out of the room and into the corridor.

“I was worried about you there sir, did you lose concentration? Or did something happen?”

“What do you mean? I answered all the questions, didn’t I; do I look like I am out of control?”

“Yes, you answered all the questions, but why did you stare at nothing with a confused look on your face after the second question? You said you would obey even to death itself if that’s what God wanted.”

“Don’t be absurd Captain, I was answering the question from the reporter in the front row, you know, the one with the electrifying blue eyes.”

“General,” the captain said sheepishly, “there was no one there”.

“Captain!” the general snapped angrily. “Are you questioning my sanity?”

“Forgive me General I must have missed that question, a momentary lack of concentration due to the importance of such an occasion.” As they walked off down the corridor, the Captain looked at the two escorting guardsmen following close behind. They were both looking at each other in confusion. A subtle cough brought their attention back to guarding their new leader.

Back at home, David was sitting on the edge of his favourite chair, watching the news in disbelief. The reporters were now speaking to followers of General Silas. Some were dancing and shouting praise to God above, while others were on the floor in humble prayer. How can one man have so much power? he thought, All that power in the wrong hands, with ethnic cleansing, independence, total rule and a total disregard for life. God help us. His thoughts were interrupted by the phone ringing in the hallway. He quickly switched off the television and rushed to the phone.

“Hello David, it’s Daniel.”

“Daniel, I am so sorry about what happened tonight. I feel −”

“Never mind that,” Daniel interrupted. “Do you have your television on?”

“No, I’ve just switched it off.”

“Did you see the news about General Silas?”

“Yes, isn’t it terrible? I think we have troubled times ahead of us.”

“Yes, that’s why I’m ringing you. I’ve just spoken to Jeremiah and it seems that our prophecy is closer than we originally thought. Is Luther still with you?”

“Yes, unfortunately. Ruth left him upstairs sleeping it off.”

“Good, it is imperative we keep our eye on him and watch how things unfold in the coming weeks. You must keep him at your house and extend every charity possible to make him feel welcome.”

“Of course, Daniel,” David replied with a complete lack of enthusiasm.

“Are you okay with this, David? If not we can arrange for Luther to stay with another brother.”

“No, no, it’s fine. He can stay here with us for as long as it takes.”

“Good, that’s settled. There is also an emergency meeting tomorrow afternoon about one in the afternoon. You will be expected of course. Thank you again, David, and remember it is of the upmost importance we do not lose Luther. We are relying on you.”

“Thank you, Daniel for your and the other brothers’ confidence in me. I won’t let you down. Have a good evening, good night.”

“Good night, David. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.” David placed the receiver down filled with a newfound confidence. He switched off all the lights, locked the front door and made his way upstairs. Walking along the landing, he stopped outside the bedroom where Lucifer was sleeping. He gently pushed open the door just to make sure he was still there, because he knew that he was important, but how important, only time would tell.