The Door Between Worlds Chapter Three

"Abraham was, as you know, vacationing in, what do you call it?  The Hawan Islands?  He told us that he was in the van traveling across one of the islands, they were participants in a crash-"

"You tell the story as if it was a choice.  We didn't choose.  We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time."  Abraham interjected.

Eric glared at him, "Fine.  You were in an accident in Hawaii that you had no idea would happen.  Better?"  He shot at Ab.

Abraham grinned and nodded.

"Anyway, Abraham wasn't injured in the crash, but he was knocked unconscious-."

"Aren't you going to tell him how it happened?" Abraham laughed.

Eric ignored him and continued on, "And what happened to you, happened to him.  He was shot back here through dimensions and landed out there in the field."  Eric pointed out the window, and down the hill.  "And when he saw him, we knew you wouldn't be far behind.  So we kept a watchman posted."

Jason looked questioningly at the Earl, "What happened?  How did we end up here?"

"We think that it was because the kingdom Alepp is in danger of falling apart."

Jason blinked.  "But everything was perfect when we left."

"No, it was on the way to perfection, as everything is.  Nothing is perfect, but you learn and become more experienced and more prepared for what comes at you.  Alepp was on the road, but now it is stumbling.  You never established the heir on the throne, and that is why you were brought back."

Jason's jaw dropped.  How could he have failed that part of the prophecy?  How could he have forgotten?

Eric continued on, "And now the lords of the land are arguing and bickering on who should lead the country until the Heir should be found.  Baron Hilldeg is the Regent right now, but his authority is being questioned more and more as the weeks go by.  So that is probably why you were summoned here."

There was a rapid change in the mood of the room, from one of good-natured joking to a tense and drawn silence.  It was only broken by Abraham's off and on munching on Jason's eggs.  Eric was appraising Jason with a fatherly look in his eyes. "Don't worry, Jas.  You can rest up all you like to have strength for the coming days."

Jason forced a smile, but his cracked voice gave away his sadness, "You're right..  I just thought I was done."

Eric looked down at Jason, who's head had dipped down as if weighed down with an impossible amount of responsibility.  He stepped over and spoke to him, "Jason Sterling.  Two years ago, you saved an entire country from the hand of a cruel oppressor.  And you went through all sorts of trials and tribulations to see that they were successfully driven from the island.  You accomplished more than anyone would have thought.  So don't dip your head.  Elohim is always teaching lessons to us, and it is our job to accept them and be ready to learn from them.  He wouldn't give us anything beyond what He knows that we can do.  Or, if the task seems to strenuous, then He shows His strength through our weakness.  Don't fret.  Keep your head high."

The Door Between Worlds Chapter Two

Jason woke up and looked around, Abraham was gone, but in his place was a tray for bright yellow eggs and buttered toast.  Jason swung his long legs over the side of the bed and stood.  Stretching up, he reached his six foot five inch frame to the ceiling.  Over the last nine months, he hadn't grown, but muscle had replaced some of the last baby fat, and his skin had tanned from the weeks in the sun.

Jason's mind flashed to the car accident.  Was his mother okay?  Was she alive?  Was he alive?  The Adrenaline rushed through him.  Worry and fear for his mother, and confusion about Abraham's appearance.  Was he just an illusion?  Was he actually in Heaven instead of Alepp?  Jason stopped his frantic pacing.. then he knelt to the ground.  He knew what he had to do.

"Dear Elohim.  Help me, Father!  I am in so much need of comfort, yet I push your hand away.  I need rest and peace, but I turn away from your safe-haven to go toward the turmoil and confusion of my soul.  My Lord, give me strength and peace for anything that You have in store for me.  In my Protector's Name, Amen."

Jason looked up after he finished his prayer, but stayed in his position as he took deep, calming breaths.  Then he stood and walked over to the table of food that Abraham had sat at, and was now unoccupied, he looked at the food and decided he didn't feel like food right now.  He was already full.  Then he strolled over to the window, when he recognized the mountains of Alepp, he grinned and looked up into the clear, dark blue sky.  Then his glance fell down the rolling hill that the house was positioned on, and watched as geese rose up from a nearby lake, and horses galloped and raced in a paddock near the village.  Peace was an enjoyable thing.

Jason turned and surveyed the room.  The ceiling was high and held up by carved mahogany pillars.  Designs were intricately painted in woven all throughout the woodwork of the walls.  Dragons and knights were fighting over dames and fair ladies.  Centaurs and Drolfs fought before kings and princes.  He was drinking it all in, when his reverie was suddenly disrupted by someone knocking at the door and coming in without waiting for an.

"Enjoy your nap, princess?" Ab asked as he walked over to Jason.  

Jason hadn't seen his friend since break had started.  He was tanner, and a bit more filled in, like Jason.   Abraham's dirty blond hair had become even more pronounced from his trip to Hawaii, and his eyes were the same as ever.  Dark blue as the ocean he had swam in.  He was a stark contrast to Jason's appearance, although both were long, Jason had sea grey eyes, and jet black hair that had grown longer over break, but not as long as Abraham's.  Jason refused to do that style.

Jason grinned at his friend as they did a quick man-hug, "Yes, I did.  Abit confused, but other than that, pretty well."

"A dose of confusion is good once and awhile.  Keeps our feet on the ground, and helps us remember that we're still human."  Abraham was not one to let a joke slide.

Jason looked suddenly at the doorway, as he realized that they weren't alone.  His smile broadened as he watched Eric March walk toward him.  "Welcome back, Master Sterling."  His deep voice rumbled.

He reached out and grasped the Commander's fore-arm and shook it, "Glad to be back, Commander."

Abraham looked up from Jason's food that he had dug in, "What?  Oh.  No one's told you!  He isn't commander any more.  He's Earl.  Earl March.  Earl of the Marches!  Ya get it?"

Jason rolled his eyes, and continued as if he heard nothing, "Really?  That's awesome!  Congratulations!"

The Earl's smile widened, "Thank you!  Much appreciated."

Jason turned from the one to the other, expectant.  But neither seemed willing to address it.  Finally, he broke the silence. "Well?  is anyone going to tell me?  Why am I here?  How did this all happen?  How did Abraham get here?  Is my mother okay?"

Abraham looked pointedly at Earl March, "You can tackle that."  Thus saying, he leaned back in Jason's chair and tossed a bit of toast five feet in the air and caught it between his teeth.