Return by J. Barrett - HTML preview

REBIRTH

Early the next morning they woke refreshed and filled with an air of expectation.  Their fears of the night before had faded away.   They ate a big breakfast, Brent wanting to use up any extra food in the frig.  Tam and Mya left him and made their way to the spaceship and began the final repairs right away.  Brent joined them just as Tam was hauling the metal plate out of the ship.  Mya placed the housing over the hole and welded it to the ship.  While this was taking place, Tam repaired the wiring and restored the communications center.  He sent a message on a narrow band and was answered almost immediately by the minister of the Guild itself; apparently they had been waiting for his call.  They ordered him to return to the Companion home world with all haste.  Tam filled Mya in on the call and orders.  They made everything ready for take off and then returned to the cabin to pack their things. 

Brent was concerned about Rusty; he didn’t want him to feel he was abandoning him.  The red hawk had returned and told Mya to tell him not to worry.  He explained that the cat wished to remain here in the forest.  Red promised that Rusty would be well taken care of and his remaining years would be happy ones.  Brent scratched the cats head for the last time and said goodbye.  He thanked the hawk for his protection of the animal.

They gathered their things, returned to the spaceship, and stowed their gear.  Ship opened a side panel and a seat slid out for Brent.  Tam showed him how to strap in, and Mya flew to a perch that was set up near Tam.  He took his seat and pressed several buttons on the console to cloak the ship.  Then he turned everything over to Ship; who took off without incident.  As soon as they were clear of Earth’s Moon, Ship engaged the hyper-drive; the trip took a day and a half. 

During that time Brent was amazed at the sights that past them; untold worlds that he somehow knew were inhabited.  Questions flew out of him and were answered by Mya or Tam.  As they went along things began to look familiar to him.  He knew he had never been in space, yet he couldn’t help but feel that he had seen all this before. 

The High Council contacted them as they approached the Companions’ home world.  They were expected, and were told to land on the third level of the Guild Hall.  Brent saw a beautiful world of lush green forests and high mountains unfold beneath them as they flew to the landing site. 

The Guild Master himself met them when they landed.  An ancient teacher of the Companions, it was an untold honor not lost on both Tam and Mya.  It also gave credence to Mya’s supposition that Brent was the Anointed One’s Right Hand. 

Both bowed before the ancient dragon in reverence.  They were greeted with honor and ceremony.  Then the old dragon made his way to Brent and lowered his ancient head to him.  Brent smiled up at the large dragon without fear; automatically raised his hand and placed it upon his snout, leaning his head in to rub his cheek against his rough old skin. 

The small act evoked a humming sound from the dragons in attendance. 

The old dragon was heard to say; Ah yes, at last!

They were ushered into the grand hall.  The enormous cavern was filled; ledges jutted out all around the walls of the interior with Companions and Keepers occupying them.  The uppermost roof was open to the stars.

So here they stood, their minds had been probed and events of the past few days had been laid bare before all.  The Elder Dragon’s Keeper stepped forward, bowed, and walked around Brent with a scan of some kind.

He is human indeed; he announced to the entire hall, yet I sense a great power beneath the surface.  It was wise of Tobruk to send him to us now.  His studies must begin so he may learn to harness that power properly.  He must be prepared before approaching the Anointed One.

Several of the other Elders came forward and an impromptu debate began to take place.  As everyone stood about discussing the pros and cons of this, Brent backed away and turned his eyes to the tower above. 

Are my answers up there? he asked himself.

Brent turned around once more and stared at the group debating; then he looked above again.  He took two steps backward, they did not even notice that he had slipped away. 

So many times he had seen this in dreams; so many times he had awoken just as he reached the top.  But this time was different; he could hear a faint voice calling from above.  Brent continued backing away from the group and then turned to face the stairs in front of him. 

Hesitantly he placed his foot on the first step, and suddenly everything else faded away.  He was enveloped in a force field of complete serenity; with each step the feeling increased. 

He could not see the stunned faces of those below.  He could not hear the sudden humming of the Companions on the ledges all around him.  He only knew that he had to make it to the top.

Mya, he’ll be killed, or worse!  Tam started to go after him, but Mya flew to block his way.

No Tam, he will be all right. Mya lowered her head to him; if you go up there, you will die.

Brent is following his destiny; he must do this alone. Besides…look and see how he glows!

Tam turned and looked above; it appeared that Brent was on fire.

The old Dragon Master stared above with tears in his eyes.  That he was lucky to have lived long  enough to see this taking place was more than he could have ever hoped for.

As Brent ascended the stairs he could see a bright light high up ahead.  A soft wind began to blow and as it passed thru him he began to see his past lives.  He saw how the different choices he had made had had a rippling effect down thru the ages.  And the agonizing heartfelt decision to truly forgive the boy who had accidentally caused the death of his entire family had been the final test in his evolution. 

His speed increased as he realized the truth and began to understand why the tests were needed.  He also saw that the souls who had been his family had agreed to come thru time and again to help this evolution take place.  It had all been a part of something much larger. 

Finally at the top, he stepped onto the landing and with it seemed to rise up in the air.  Before him was the golden egg, it was mammoth, much larger than in his dreams.  He seemed to be floating before it.  He tried to center himself and relax; as he calmed down he floated back to the landing.  He walked about the egg slowly, looking at every inch of it.  He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do.  Then he took a deep breath, reached out with his right hand, and at the same time thought; I am here.

As his hand touched the egg there was a loud cracking sound and a bright light began to emanate thru the cracks. 

The humming of the Companions increased and took on a lilting tone. 

The light became so bright that Brent lifted his arm to shield his eyes. 

Suddenly there was a loud WOOSH sound and the shell fragments fell away clattering on the stone floor. 

Everything went silent.

The Guild Master suddenly realized that they had it all wrong.  This was something of a far greater magnitude… this was of the Father. 

He fell to his knees and lowered his head, the rest did the same.

Brent opened his eyes and stared dumbfounded.  Before him stood a man, a man of such beauty that to gaze upon him was to ache for the unattainable.  He had wings, and they were spread wide, beautiful – translucent … powerful to see. 

His head was pointed up at the stars.  The creature before him exuded power; his entire body, open for all to see, was rippling muscles and sinew.  Somehow Brent knew he was a warrior, but a warrior of the highest level. 

In the back of his mind he felt a stirring, a strong feeling that he knew this creature.  He took a brief moment in his mind to put everything in perspective; but looking at the man all he could think was… you are magnificent! 

I am a mere reflection of my Father’s grace… the man answered quickly in a strong, rich voice that had the accent of a dozen worlds. 

His words echoed within Brent and stirred something to life... his voice so familiar.  He gazed at Brent with hazel eyes that bore to his very being.

You have finally returned my brother; this is good for you have been sorely missed.  Now search your memory and look into my eyes - and remember!

He spread his wings wide and smiled at Brent, who stared back and looked intently at the man.  Searching his memory Brent began to get small glimpses of something. 

And the sound, the soft sound of… of wings! 

Brandon’s mind was suddenly flooded with lost memories; awareness gently wrapped his soul as a soft light began to form around him.

I know you! 

He shouted with his mind turning towards him.

We have come down thru the ages together.

You were my teacher long ago.

The being smiled and the cavern lit up.

We fought together in the great rebellion; a terrible day for the Father.

Tempers flared, detachment paled;

Ahhh…

I slew in anger in the Father’s name!

Sadness flashed across Brent’s face and he went down on one knee.

Banishment was mine; start from the beginning, learn again the Father’s Way.

Brent slowly stood up and smiled; he understood all now.  He had to begin again in order  to be able to return home.

You are Tenant, known as Leahcim, Dispenser of the Father’s Justice.

And you are Pieta, known as Leahpar, Right Hand of the Father, welcome home!

The person known as Brent suddenly threw his head back and spread his arms wide.

A bright light beamed down from above and exploded throughout the large cavern. 

Ethereal voices shouted ...  Hallelujah!

Where Brent once stood was now an ethereal being of such beauty that most could not gaze upon him.  Wings spread wide; he appeared to be both male and female. 

All in the cavern bowed their heads.  

The first being could be heard chuckling in the distance; 

You always knew how to make an entrance kid!  Welcome home brother.

Both flew above on a bolt of lightening.

Tam looked at Mya in surprise…Mya, they’re…

Yes my dear friend, she chuckled, they most certainly are!