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."